speak_v in_o he_o etc._n etc._n to_o which_o one_o may_v very_o well_o add_v what_o be_v st._n paul_n only_o a_o servant_n of_o christ_n in_o notion_n of_o mind_n but_o not_o in_o obedience_n of_o will_n who_o have_v serve_v he_o faithful_o so_o many_o year_n and_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o he_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v so_o again_o who_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n have_v make_v free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n who_o live_v but_o no_o long_o he_o but_o christ_n in_o he_o will_v what_o he_o will_v in_o he_o and_o do_v what_o he_o will_v by_o he_o for_o to_o he_o he_o have_v resign_v soul_n and_o body_n strange_a be_v it_o the_o art_n of_o a_o true_a christian_n to_o contrive_v how_o he_o may_v evade_v his_o duty_n instead_o of_o do_v it_o will_v any_o wise_a man_n build_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o his_o hope_n upon_o excuse_n can_v any_o man_n make_v we_o believe_v that_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o dull_a as_o not_o to_o see_v a_o difference_n between_o a_o excuse_n and_o a_o aggravation_n do_v any_o thing_n aggravate_v a_o sin_n more_o than_o to_o commit_v it_o against_o one_o conscience_n be_v this_o the_o sincerity_n of_o a_o old_a disciple_n the_o attainment_n of_o paul_n the_o age_a have_v he_o but_o so_o learned_a christ_n or_o teach_v he_o no_o better_o to_o excuse_v himself_o that_o he_o sin_v he_o do_v what_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v do_v he_o have_v reject_v this_o vile_a pretence_n as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v in_o two_o place_n where_o he_o speak_v plain_o of_o himself_o 1._o i_o have_v live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n to_o this_o day_n i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o virtue_n which_o he_o have_v be_v a_o jew_n and_o what_o do_v he_o grow_v worse_o afterward_o no_o for_o he_o say_v that_o have_v receive_v christian_a principle_n he_o do_v then_o as_o be_v more_o oblige_v 16._o exercise_v himself_o always_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n to_o god_n and_o man._n it_o have_v be_v a_o brave_a defence_n have_v it_o not_o for_o the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o have_v tell_v the_o heathen_n according_a to_o this_o interpretation_n that_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v better_a than_o they_o but_o be_v indeed_o as_o bad_a especial_o since_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o their_o regeneration_n a_o power_n which_o enable_v they_o to_o overcome_v those_o sin_n to_o which_o the_o heathen_n be_v slave_n for_o so_o the_o same_o apostle_n 16._o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh._n not_o that_o he_o mean_v dull_o if_o they_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n they_o shall_v not_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n no_o but_o that_o if_o you_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n you_o will_v receive_v those_o assistance_n from_o it_o which_o shall_v enable_v you_o to_o overcome_v those_o tentation_n which_o hypocrite_n pretend_v as_o the_o only_a excuse_n why_o they_o live_v after_o the_o flesh._n but_o these_o assistance_n must_v be_v make_v use_n of_o a_o man_n may_v be_v overcome_v of_o another_o not_o strong_a than_o himself_o if_o he_o will_v not_o use_v the_o arm_n which_o he_o have_v to_o defend_v himself_o it_o be_v promise_v that_o if_o we_o resist_v the_o devil_n he_o shall_v fly_v from_o we_o but_o can_v any_o man_n think_v that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o resist_v the_o devil_n he_o will_v fly_v from_o he_o or_o that_o his_o yield_n to_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v any_o excuse_n to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v overcome_v and_o make_v his_o slave_n when_o he_o do_v not_o resist_v he_o to_o close_v this_o since_o foolish_a excuse_n be_v useless_a in_o these_o matter_n let_v every_o sincere_a christian_a say_v to_o himself_o o_o my_o soul_n it_o be_v time_n for_o thou_o to_o know_v what_o thou_o have_v attain_v in_o christian_a religion_n to_o seek_v a_o proof_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o thou_o and_o to_o find_v a_o good_a evidence_n of_o true_a goodness_n what_o do_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v do_v amount_v to_o do_v thou_o find_v in_o thyself_o a_o thankfulness_n which_o be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n answerable_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o christ_n love_n and_o the_o many_o benefit_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o have_v thou_o that_o reverence_n towards_o he_o which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n be_v thy_o temper_n conformable_a to_o his_o gospel_n and_o thy_o life_n to_o his_o holy_a example_n do_v thou_o only_o please_v thyself_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o rest_n in_o the_o speculation_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n do_v thou_o not_o also_o endeavour_v to_o find_v the_o power_n of_o gospel_n motive_n work_v in_o thy_o soul_n to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v propound_v do_v thou_o careful_o read_v the_o holy_a gospel_n that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o forget_v any_o part_n of_o thy_o duty_n and_o then_o pray_v with_o hearty_a devotion_n for_o grace_n to_o help_v thou_o to_o obey_v and_o then_o make_v use_v of_o what_o be_v bestow_v that_o thou_o may_v receive_v more_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v do_v thou_o give_v thyself_o leave_v to_o make_v hypocritical_a excuse_n for_o disobedience_n and_o pretend_v that_o christ_n be_v make_v righteousness_n to_o we_o think_v that_o thou_o may_v indulge_v some_o sin_n in_o thyself_o or_o rather_o abhor_v that_o falseness_n do_v thou_o endeavour_v to_o give_v testimony_n of_o thy_o love_n to_o christ_n person_n by_o obey_v his_o command_n and_o seek_v reconciliation_n with_o god_n only_o upon_o the_o term_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v do_v thou_o find_v that_o as_o the_o first_o purpose_n of_o thy_o soul_n be_v to_o obey_v so_o the_o habitual_a inclination_n of_o thy_o mind_n do_v propound_v still_o the_o same_o way_n and_o that_o the_o constant_a work_n and_o daily_a motion_n of_o thy_o soul_n be_v all_o set_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o thy_o holy_a purpose_n the_o good_a man_n who_o find_v that_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o he_o will_v be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o his_o sincerity_n to_o god_n the_o inward_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o his_o soul_n will_v tell_v he_o that_o his_o conversion_n be_v sincere_a as_o a_o man_n know_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o honest_a man_n who_o endeavour_n in_o all_o his_o action_n to_o keep_v himself_o close_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a life_n 5._o to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o need_v ad_fw-la no_o more_o but_o that_o the_o sincere_a christian_a make_v a_o daily_a progress_n towards_o the_o perfection_n of_o degree_n go_v on_o to_o perfection_n as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v the_o sincere_a christian_a do_v not_o make_v it_o his_o work_n vain_o to_o compare_v himself_o with_o other_o who_o defect_n he_o think_v he_o have_v espy_v and_o please_v himself_o in_o what_o he_o have_v attain_v because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o good_a but_o humble_o desire_v by_o daily_a endeavour_n to_o grow_v better_a than_o himself_o and_o to_o bring_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o estate_n near_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o degree_n he_o be_v mindful_a of_o the_o advice_n give_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n he_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n who_o understand_v his_o way_n to_o god_n better_a and_o better_o for_o the_o light_n of_o the_o righteous_a shine_v more_o and_o more_o to_o perfect_a day_n the_o traveller_n that_o understand_v his_o way_n pretty_a well_o have_v a_o great_a journey_n to_o go_v rise_v it_o may_v be_v by_o moonlight_n or_o take_v the_o first_o dawning_n of_o the_o morning_n for_o his_o guidance_n but_o as_o the_o day_n come_v on_o he_o grow_v more_o assure_v by_o the_o clear_a light_n but_o he_o grow_v in_o grace_n too_o i._n e._n he_o be_v better_v in_o soul_n and_o do_v his_o duty_n to_o god_n better_a and_o ride_v on_o more_o confident_o and_o with_o more_o speed_n as_o the_o traveller_n do_v when_o he_o have_v more_o light_a to_o assure_v he_o of_o his_o way_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gospel_n assistance_n bring_v a_o good_a christian_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 13_o to_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o that_o measure_n of_o stature_n which_o be_v full_a of_o christ_n and_o make_v the_o christian_a like_o a_o man_n who_o be_v arrive_v to_o those_o year_n which_o bestow_v upon_o he_o a_o great_a vigour_n of_o strength_n a_o firm_a constitution_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o the_o corinthian_n 9_o which_o he_o there_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d consummation_n in_o grace_n which_o the_o
his_o reason_n either_o by_o deny_v the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n or_o by_o lay_v aside_o the_o use_n of_o it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o answer_n be_v differ_v enough_o from_o what_o your_o friend_n expect_v and_o perhaps_o those_o grant_n that_o have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o indulgence_n or_o inadvertency_n of_o many_o person_n eminent_a for_o be_v pious_a or_o learned_a may_v make_v you_o yourself_o startle_v at_o this_o declaration_n and_o therefore_o though_o you_o will_v not_o i_o know_v expect_v a_o answer_n to_o what_o objection_n your_o friend_n may_v make_v since_o he_o have_v express_v but_o what_o he_o think_v aught_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n opinion_n not_o what_o he_o have_v to_o object_v against_o what_o be_v so_o yet_o to_o satisfy_v those_o scruple_n that_o you_o yourself_o may_v retain_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v but_o with_o the_o brevity_n that_o become_v a_o letter_n to_o acquaint_v you_o by_o themselves_o with_o some_o of_o the_o positive_a inducement_n that_o have_v lead_v i_o to_o this_o opinion_n and_o interweave_v some_o other_o in_o answer_v the_o chief_a objection_n that_o i_o think_v likely_a to_o be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o this_o preamble_n short_a as_o it_o be_v will_n i_o hope_v serve_v to_o keep_v you_o from_o mistake_v my_o design_n which_o as_o you_o may_v gather_v from_o what_o i_o have_v intimate_v be_v not_o to_o give_v you_o the_o positive_a proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o a_o bare_a defendant_n but_o to_o give_v you_o some_o specimen_n of_o such_o general_a consideration_n as_o may_v probable_o show_v that_o the_o matter_n or_o essential_a doctrine_n peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o so_o repugnant_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a natural_a philosophy_n as_o that_o to_o believe_v they_o a_o man_n must_v cease_v to_o act_v like_o a_o rational_a man_n any_o more_o than_o he_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o do_v by_o embrace_v other_o religion_n or_o even_o the_o tenant_n that_o have_v be_v hold_v without_o disparagement_n to_o their_o intellectual_n by_o the_o mere_a philosopher_n themselves_o which_o last_o clause_n i_o add_v because_o i_o presume_v you_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v follicitous_a to_o vindicate_v the_o christian_n belief_n of_o a_o deity_n from_o be_v irrational_a since_o beside_o that_o perhaps_o your_o friend_n will_v think_v himself_o affront_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o as_o a_o atheist_n without_o have_v profess_v himself_o one_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o deity_n blemish_n the_o christian_n reason_n no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v that_o of_o man_n of_o all_o religion_n not_o to_o say_v of_o all_o mankind_n and_o import_v no_o other_o contradiction_n to_o reason_n than_o what_o have_v be_v judge_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o by_o the_o great_a if_o not_o by_o all_o of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o be_v fame_v for_o be_v guide_v by_o reason_n without_o revelation_n and_o i_o shall_v venture_v to_o add_v upon_o the_o by_o that_o as_o i_o do_v not_o for_o my_o own_o part_n think_v the_o atheist_n philosophical_a objection_n if_o your_o friend_n have_v produce_v they_o to_o be_v near_o so_o considerable_a for_o weight_n or_o number_n as_o not_o only_o those_o few_o that_o deny_v a_o god_n but_o many_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v one_o be_v wont_a to_o think_v so_o the_o christian_n be_v not_o reduce_v as_o be_v imagine_v to_o make_v the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n a_o mere_a postulatum_fw-la since_o beside_o the_o philosophical_a argument_n he_o can_v allege_v in_o common_a with_o the_o best_a champion_n for_o a_o deity_n he_o have_v a_o peculiar_a historical_a proof_n that_o may_v suffice_v the_o miracle_n perform_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o follower_n be_v such_o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v be_v as_o it_o may_v be_v well_o evince_v they_o will_v not_o only_o prove_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o though_o of_o the_o two_o thing_n which_o my_o design_n oblige_v i_o to_o endeavor_n the_o make_v good_a of_o the_o most_o natural_a order_n seem_v to_o be_v that_o i_o shall_v first_o show_v that_o no_o precept_n of_o christianity_n do_v command_v a_o man_n to_o lay_v aside_o his_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n itself_o that_o make_v a_o man_n need_v to_o do_v so_o yet_o i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o in_o treat_v of_o these_o two_o subject_n to_o invert_v the_o order_n and_o first_o consider_v that_o difficulty_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o which_o your_o friend_n and_o you_o joint_o desire_v to_o have_v my_o thought_n of_o namely_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o deny_v his_o reason_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v proceed_v to_o examine_v whether_o though_o he_o need_v not_o disclaim_v his_o reason_n it_o be_v nevertheless_o his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v sect_n i._o to_o proceed_v then_o to_o the_o consideration_n that_o make_v up_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o epistle_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n distinguish_v betwixt_o that_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n itself_o teach_v and_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o this_o or_o that_o church_n or_o sect_n of_o christian_n and_o much_o more_o by_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a divine_a or_o schoolman_n i_o need_v not_o persuade_v you_o who_o can_v but_o know_v it_o so_o well_o already_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n teach_v about_o the_o attribute_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n and_o divers_a other_o theological_a subject_n about_o which_o not_o only_o private_a christian_n but_o church_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o at_o all_o agree_v there_o be_v too_o many_o man_n who_o ambition_n or_o boldness_n or_o self-conceit_n or_o interest_n lead_v they_o to_o obtrude_v upon_o other_o as_o part_n of_o religion_n thing_n that_o be_v not_o only_a stranger_n but_o oftentimes_o enemy_n to_o it_o and_o there_o be_v other_o who_o out_o of_o a_o indiscreet_a devotion_n be_v so_o solicitous_a to_o increase_v the_o number_n and_o the_o wonderfulness_n of_o mystery_n that_o to_o hear_v they_o propose_v and_o discourse_n of_o thing_n one_o will_v judge_v that_o they_o think_v it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o faith_n not_o to_o elevate_v but_o to_o trample_v upon_o reason_n and_o that_o thing_n be_v then_o fit_a to_o be_v believe_v when_o they_o be_v not_o clear_o to_o be_v prove_v or_o understand_v and_o indeed_o when_o on_o the_o one_o side_n i_o consider_v the_o charitable_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o candid_a simplicity_n that_o shine_v in_o what_o it_o propose_v or_o command_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o strange_a and_o wild_a speculation_n and_o inference_n have_v be_v father_v upon_o it_o not_o only_o in_o the_o metaphysical_a write_n of_o some_o schoolman_n but_o in_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n of_o some_o church_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o if_o all_o these_o doctrine_n be_v part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o apostle_n if_o they_o be_v now_o alive_a will_v be_v at_o best_a but_o catechumini_fw-la and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o of_o the_o nice_a point_n that_o be_v now_o much_o value_v and_o urge_v by_o some_o will_v be_v as_o well_o disapprove_v by_o st._n paul_n as_o by_o aristotle_n and_o shall_v be_v as_o little_o entertain_v by_o a_o orthodox_n divine_a as_o a_o rigid_a philosopher_n i_o do_v not_o therefore_o allow_v all_o that_o for_o gospel_n which_o be_v teach_v for_o such_o in_o a_o preacher_n pulpit_n or_o even_o a_o professor_n chair_n and_o therefore_o if_o scholastic_a writer_n of_o what_o church_n soever_o take_v the_o liberty_n of_o impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n their_o metaphysical_a speculation_n or_o any_o other_o mere_o humane_a doctrine_n as_o matter_n of_o faith_n i_o who_o not_o without_o some_o examination_n think_v metaphysic_n themselves_o not_o to_o have_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n over-well_a understand_v and_o apply_v shall_v make_v bold_a to_o leave_v all_o such_o private_a doctrine_n to_o be_v defend_v by_o their_o own_o broacher_n or_o abettor_n and_o shall_v deny_v that_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o in_o case_n of_o this_o multitude_n of_o placet_n which_o some_o bold_a man_n have_v be_v please_v to_o adopt_v into_o the_o catalogue_n of_o christian_a verity_n any_o or_o all_o shall_v be_v find_v inconsistent_a with_o right_a reason_n the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v so_o too_o for_o by_o that_o name_n i_o understand_v only_o that_o system_n of_o reveal_v truth_n that_o be_v clear_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o by_o legitimate_a and_o
in_o the_o world_n how_o can_v there_o come_v to_o be_v any_o motion_n among_o body_n since_o they_o neither_o have_v it_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n nor_o can_v receive_v it_o from_o external_a agent_n if_o mr._n hobbs_n shall_v reply_v that_o the_o motion_n be_v impress_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n by_o god_n he_o will_v say_v that_o which_o i_o most_o ready_o grant_v to_o be_v true_a but_o will_v not_o serve_v his_o turn_n if_o he_o will_v speak_v congruous_o to_o his_o own_o hypothesis_n for_o i_o demand_v whether_o this_o supreme_a be_v that_o the_o assertion_n have_v recourse_n to_o be_v a_o corporeal_a or_o a_o incorporeal_a substance_n if_o it_o be_v the_o latter_a and_o yet_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o motion_n in_o body_n than_o it_o will_v not_o be_v universal_o true_a that_o whatsoever_o body_n be_v move_v be_v so_o by_o a_o body_n contiguous_a and_o move_v for_o in_o our_o supposition_n the_o body_n that_o god_n move_v either_o immediate_o or_o by_o the_o intervention_n of_o any_o other_o immaterial_a be_v be_v not_o move_v by_o a_o body_n contiguous_a but_o by_o a_o incorporeal_a spirit_n but_o because_o mr._n hobbs_n in_o some_o write_n of_o his_o be_v believe_v to_o think_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o immaterial_a substance_n to_o be_v absurd_a and_o to_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n and_o because_o it_o may_v be_v subsume_v that_o if_o god_n be_v not_o a_o immaterial_a substance_n he_o must_v by_o consequence_n be_v a_o material_a and_o corporeal_a one_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la negationis_fw-la or_o three_o substance_n that_o be_v none_o of_o those_o two_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o this_o be_v say_v and_o so_o that_o mr._n hobbs_n deity_n be_v a_o corporeal_a one_o the_o same_o difficulty_n will_v recur_v that_o i_o urge_v before_o for_o this_o body_n will_v not_o by_o mr._n hobbs_n calling_n or_o think_v it_o divine_a cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a body_n and_o consequent_o a_o portion_n of_o divine_a matter_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o move_v a_o portion_n of_o our_o mundane_a matter_n without_o it_o be_v itself_o contiguous_a and_o move_v which_o it_o can_v be_v but_o by_o another_o portion_n of_o divine_a matter_n so_o qualify_v to_o impress_v a_o motion_n nor_o this_o again_o but_o by_o another_o portion_n and_o beside_o that_o it_o will_v breed_v a_o strange_a confusion_n in_o render_v the_o physical_a cause_n of_o thing_n unless_o a_o expedient_a be_v find_v to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o distinguish_v accurate_o the_o mundane_a body_n from_o the_o divine_a which_o will_v perhaps_o prove_v no_o easy_a task_n i_o see_v not_o yet_o how_o this_o corporeal_a deity_n will_v make_v good_a the_o hypothesis_n i_o examine_v for_o i_o demand_v how_o this_o divine_a matter_n come_v to_o have_v this_o local_a motion_n that_o be_v ascribe_v to_o it_o if_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o it_o have_v it_o from_o its_o own_o nature_n without_o any_o other_o cause_n since_o the_o epicurean_o affirm_v the_o same_o of_o their_o atom_n or_o mere_o mundane_a matter_n i_o demand_v how_o the_o truth_n of_o mr._n hobbs_n opinion_n will_v appear_v to_o i_o to_o who_o it_o seem_v as_o likely_a by_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n that_o occur_v that_o mundane_a matter_n shall_v have_v a_o congenit_fw-la motion_n as_o that_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v corporeal_a can_v be_v god_n and_o capable_a of_o move_v it_o which_o to_o be_v it_o must_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v have_v its_o subsistence_n divide_v into_o as_o many_o minute_n part_n as_o there_o be_v corpuscle_n and_o particle_n in_o the_o world_n that_o move_z separately_z from_o their_o neighbour_a one_o and_o to_o draw_v towards_o a_o conclusion_n i_o say_v that_o these_o minute_n divine_a body_n that_o thus_o move_v those_o portion_n of_o mundane_a matter_n concern_v which_o mr._n hobbs_n deny_v that_o they_o can_v be_v move_v but_o by_o body_n contiguous_a and_o move_v these_o divine_a substance_n i_o say_v be_v according_a to_o the_o late_a supposition_n true_a body_n and_o yet_o be_v move_v themselves_o not_o by_o body_n contiguous_a and_o move_v but_o by_o a_o motion_n which_o must_v be_v innate_a derive_v or_o flow_v from_o their_o very_a essence_n or_o nature_n since_o no_o such_o body_n be_v pretend_v to_o have_v a_o be_v as_o can_v be_v refer_v as_o a_o portion_n either_o to_o the_o mundane_a or_o the_o divine_a matter_n in_o short_a since_o local_a motion_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o one_o if_o not_o in_o both_o of_o these_o two_o matter_n it_o must_v be_v natural_a to_o at_o least_o some_o part_n of_o one_o of_o they_o in_o mr._n hobbs_n hypothesis_n for_o though_o he_o shall_v grant_v a_o immaterial_a be_v yet_o it_o can_v not_o produce_v a_o motion_n in_o any_o body_n since_o according_a to_o he_o no_o body_n can_v be_v move_v but_o by_o another_o body_n contiguous_a and_o move_v as_o then_o to_o this_o grand_a position_n of_o mr._n hobbs_n though_o if_o it_o be_v cautious_o propose_v as_o it_o be_v by_o des_n cartes_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v safe_o admit_v because_o cartesius_n acknowledge_v the_o first_o impulse_n that_o set_v matter_n a_o move_a and_o the_o conservation_n of_o motion_n once_o begin_v to_o come_v from_o god_n yet_o as_o it_o be_v crude_o propose_v by_o the_o favourer_n of_o mr._n hobbs_n i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o see_v any_o such_o cogent_a proof_n for_o it_o as_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v for_o a_o principle_n on_o which_o he_o build_v so_o much_o and_o which_o yet_o be_v not_o at_o all_o evident_a by_o its_o own_o light_n that_o i_o see_v no_o competent_a reason_n to_o admit_v it_o i_o expect_v your_o friend_n shall_v here_o oppose_v to_o what_o i_o have_v be_v say_v that_o former_o recite_v sentence_n that_o be_v so_o common_o employ_v in_o the_o school_n as_o well_o of_o divine_n as_o of_o philosopher_n that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o opinion_n be_v true_a in_o divinity_n but_o false_a in_o philosophy_n or_o on_o the_o contrary_a philosophical_o true_a but_o theological_o false_a upon_o what_o warrant_v those_o that_o be_v wont_a to_o employ_v such_o expression_n ground_n their_o practice_n i_o leave_v to_o they_o to_o make_v out_o but_o as_o to_o the_o objection_n itself_o as_o it_o suppose_v these_o way_n of_o speak_v to_o be_v well_o ground_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o consider_v that_o philosophy_n may_v signify_v two_o thing_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v very_o differ_v for_o first_o it_o be_v most_o common_o employ_v to_o signify_v a_o system_n or_o body_n of_o the_o opinion_n and_o other_o doctrine_n of_o the_o particular_a sect_n of_o those_o philosopher_n that_o make_v use_v of_o the_o word_n as_o when_o a_o aristotelian_a talk_v of_o philosophy_n he_o usual_o mean_v the_o peripatetic_a as_o a_o epicurean_a do_v the_o atomical_a or_o a_o platonist_n the_o platonic_a but_o we_o may_v also_o in_o a_o more_o general_a and_o no_o less_o just_a acception_n of_o the_o term_n understand_v by_o philosophy_n a_o comprehension_n of_o all_o those_o truth_n or_o doctrine_n which_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o man_n free_v from_o prejudices_fw-la and_o partiality_n and_o assist_v by_o learning_n attention_n exercise_n experiment_n etc._n etc._n can_v manifest_o make_v out_o or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o clear_a and_o certain_a principle_n this_o be_v brief_o premise_v i_o must_v in_o the_o next_o place_n put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o what_o i_o former_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o many_o opinion_n be_v maintain_v by_o this_o or_o that_o sect_n of_o christian_n or_o perhaps_o by_o the_o divinity-school_n of_o more_o than_o one_o or_o two_o sect_n which_o either_o do_v not_o at_o all_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o at_o least_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o part_n of_o it_o but_o upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o philosophical_a principle_n and_o ratiocination_n upon_o which_o and_o not_o upon_o express_v or_o mere_a revelation_n they_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v found_v be_v agreeable_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o have_v premise_v these_o two_o thing_n i_o now_o answer_v more_o direct_o to_o the_o objection_n that_o if_o philosophy_n be_v take_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n abovementioned_a its_o teach_a thing_n repugnant_a to_o theology_n especial_o take_v this_o word_n in_o the_o more_o large_a and_o vulgar_a sense_n of_o it_o will_v not_o cogent_o conclude_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o if_o philosophy_n be_v take_v in_o the_o latter_a sense_n for_o true_a philosophy_n and_o divinity_n only_o for_o a_o system_fw-la of_o those_o article_n that_o be_v clear_o reveal_v as_o truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v not_o allow_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a in_o philosophy_n so_o understand_v that_o be_v true_a in_o divinity_n so_o explain_v
be_v natural_o such_o a_o intimate_a union_n betwixt_o two_o such_o distant_a substance_n as_o a_o incorporeal_a spirit_n and_o a_o body_n as_o that_o the_o former_a may_v not_o when_o it_o please_v quit_v the_o latter_a which_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o string_n or_o chain_n that_o can_v tie_v or_o fasten_v to_o it_o that_o which_o have_v no_o body_n on_o which_o they_o may_v take_v bold_a and_o i_o there_o show_v that_o it_o be_v full_a as_o difficult_a physical_o to_o explicate_v how_o these_o so_o differ_v being_n come_v to_o be_v unite_v as_o how_o they_o be_v keep_v from_o part_v at_o pleasure_n both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o mere_a appointment_n of_o god_n and_o if_o to_o avoid_v the_o abstruseness_n of_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o this_o conjunction_n betwixt_o the_o rational_a soul_n and_o the_o humane_a body_n it_o be_v say_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o epicurean_o that_o the_o former_a be_v but_o a_o certain_a contexture_n of_o the_o fine_a and_o most_o subtle_a part_n of_o the_o latter_a the_o former_o propose_v abstruseness_n of_o the_o union_n betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n will_v indeed_o be_v shift_v off_o but_o it_o will_v be_v by_o a_o doctrine_n that_o will_v not_o much_o relieve_v we_o for_o those_o that_o will_v allow_v no_o soul_n in_o man_n but_o what_o be_v corporeal_a have_v a_o modus_fw-la to_o explain_v that_o i_o doubt_v they_o will_v always_o leave_v a_o riddle_n for_o of_o such_o i_o desire_v that_o they_o will_v explain_v to_o i_o who_o know_v no_o effect_n that_o matter_n can_v produce_v but_o by_o local_a motion_n and_o rest_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o how_o mere_a matter_n let_v they_o suppose_v it_o as_o fine_a as_o they_o please_v and_o contrive_v it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v can_v make_v syllogism_n and_o have_v conception_n of_o universals_z and_o invent_v speculative_a science_n and_o demonstration_n and_o in_o a_o word_n do_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o man_n and_o by_o no_o other_o animal_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v intelligible_o explicate_v to_o i_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o matter_n frame_v theory_n and_o ratiocination_n will_n i_o confess_v not_o only_o instruct_v i_o but_o surprise_v i_o too_o and_o now_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o make_v this_o short_a reflection_n on_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o section_n compare_v with_o what_o former_o i_o say_v in_o the_o first_o section_n that_o if_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n we_o lie_v aside_o all_o the_o irrational_a opinion_n that_o the_o schoolman_n and_o other_o bold_a writer_n have_v unwarrantable_o father_v on_o christian_a religion_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n all_o the_o erroneous_a conceit_n repugnant_a to_o christianity_n which_o the_o schoolman_n and_o other_o have_v proofles_o father_v upon_o philosophy_n the_o seem_a contradiction_n betwixt_o solid_a divinity_n and_o true_a philosophy_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v but_o few_o as_o i_o think_v the_o real_a one_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o sect_n vi_o the_o next_o consideration_n i_o shall_v propose_v be_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v if_o single_o or_o precise_o consider_v appear_v unreasonable_a which_o yet_o may_v be_v very_o credible_a if_o consider_v as_o a_o part_n of_o or_o a_o manifest_a consequence_n from_o a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v high_o so_o of_o this_o i_o can_v give_v you_o more_o instance_n in_o several_a art_n and_o science_n than_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o be_v here_o specify_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o to_o mention_v three_o or_o four_o when_o astronomer_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o sun_n which_o seem_v not_o to_o we_o a_o foot_n broad_a nor_o considerable_o big_a than_o the_o moon_n be_v above_o a_o hundred_o and_o threescore_o time_n big_a than_o the_o whole_a globe_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o yet_o be_v forty_o time_n great_a than_o the_o moon_n the_o thing_n thus_o naked_o propose_v seem_v very_o incredible_a but_o yet_o because_o astronomer_n very_o skilful_a in_o their_o art_n have_v by_o find_v the_o semidiameter_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o observe_v the_o parallax_n of_o the_o planet_n conclude_v the_o proportion_n of_o these_o three_o body_n to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v mention_v or_o thereabouts_o even_o learned_a and_o judicious_a man_n of_o all_o sort_n philosopher_n divine_n and_o other_o think_v it_o not_o credulity_n to_o admit_v what_o they_o affirm_v so_o the_o relation_n of_o earthquake_n that_o have_v reach_v divers_a hundred_o of_o mile_n of_o eruption_n of_o fire_n that_o have_v at_o once_o overflow_v and_o burn_v vast_a scope_n of_o land_n of_o the_o blow_v up_o of_o mountain_n by_o their_o own_o fire_n of_o the_o cast_v up_o of_o new_a island_n in_o the_o sea_n itself_o and_o other_o prodigy_n of_o too_o unquestionable_a truth_n for_o i_o know_v what_o work_n ignorance_n and_o superstition_n have_v make_v about_o other_o prodigy_n if_o they_o be_v attest_v but_o by_o slight_a and_o ordinary_a witness_n they_o will_v be_v judge_v incredible_a but_o we_o scruple_n not_o to_o believe_v they_o when_o the_o relation_n be_v attest_v with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o make_v the_o testimony_n as_o strong_a as_o the_o thing_n attest_v be_v strange_a if_o ever_o you_o have_v consider_v what_o clavius_n and_o divers_a other_o geometrician_n teach_v upon_o the_o sixteen_o proposition_n of_o the_o three_o book_n of_o euclid_n which_o contain_v a_o theorem_fw-la about_o the_o tangent_fw-la and_o the_o circumference_n of_o a_o circle_n you_o can_v but_o have_v take_v notice_n that_o there_o be_v scarce_o great_a paradox_n deliver_v by_o philosopher_n or_o divine_n than_o you_o will_v find_v assert_v by_o geomatrician_n themselves_o and_o though_o of_o late_a the_o learned_a jesuit_n tacquet_n and_o some_o rigid_a mathematician_n have_v question_v divers_a of_o those_o thing_n yet_o even_o what_o some_o of_o these_o severe_a examiner_n confess_v to_o be_v geometrical_o demonstrable_a from_o that_o proposition_n contain_v thing_n so_o strange_a that_o philosopher_n themselves_o that_o be_v not_o well_o acquaint_v with_o that_o proposition_n and_o its_o corollary_n can_v scarce_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o other_o than_o incomprehensible_a or_o at_o least_o incredible_a thing_n which_o yet_o as_o improbable_a as_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o themselves_o even_o rigid_a demonstrator_n refuse_v not_o to_o admit_v because_o they_o be_v legitimate_o deducible_a from_o a_o acknowledge_v truth_n and_o so_o also_o among_o the_o magnetical_a phaenomena_n there_o be_v divers_a thing_n which_o be_v naked_o propose_v must_v seem_v altogether_o unfit_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o indeed_o have_v nothing_o like_o they_o in_o all_o nature_n whereas_o those_o that_o be_v verse_v in_o magnetic_a philosophy_n even_o before_o they_o have_v make_v particular_a trial_n of_o they_o will_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o credible_a because_o how_o great_a paradox_n soever_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o other_o they_o be_v consonant_a and_o consequent_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o magnetism_n who_o grand_a axiom_n from_o what_o cause_n soever_o magnetism_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v be_v sufficient_o manifest_a and_o therefore_o a_o magnetical_a philosopher_n will_v not_o though_o a_o ordinary_a philosopher_n will_v think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o one_o part_n of_o the_o same_o loadstone_n shall_v draw_v a_o needle_n to_o it_o and_o the_o other_o part_n drive_v the_o same_o needle_n from_o it_o and_o that_o the_o needle_n in_o a_o seaman_n compass_n after_o have_v be_v carry_v perhaps_o many_o hundred_o league_n through_o differ_v climate_n and_o in_o stormy_a weather_n without_o vary_v its_o declination_n may_v upon_o a_o sudden_a without_o any_o manifest_a cause_n point_n at_o some_o part_n of_o the_o orison_n several_a whole_a degree_n distant_a from_o that_o which_o it_o point_v to_o before_o to_o which_o may_v here_o be_v add_v divers_a other_o scarce_o credible_a thing_n which_o either_o other_o or_o i_o have_v try_v about_o magnetical_a body_n but_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o have_v occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o of_o they_o in_o a_o fit_a place_n wherefore_o when_o something_o deliver_v in_o or_o clear_o deduce_v from_o scripture_n be_v object_v against_o as_o a_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v we_o must_v not_o only_o consider_v whether_o if_o it_o be_v not_o deliver_v in_o that_o book_n we_o shall_v upon_o its_o own_o single_a account_n think_v it_o fit_a or_o unworthy_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v so_o improbable_a that_o it_o be_v more_o fit_a to_o be_v believe_v that_o all_o the_o proof_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v than_o that_o this_o thing_n which_o come_v manifest_o recommend_v to_o our_o belief_n by_o that_o authority_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v admit_v i_o say_v
which_o i_o command_v you_o this_o day_n and_o the_o commission_n that_o christ_n give_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n run_v thus_o go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n i._n e._n to_o all_o mankind_n 16._o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v by_o this_o you_o may_v perceive_v that_o as_o far_o as_o there_o be_v either_o truth_n or_o probability_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o far_o forth_o he_o that_o refuse_v to_o become_v a_o disciple_n to_o it_o run_v a_o venture_n not_o only_o to_o lose_v the_o great_a blessing_n that_o man_n can_v hope_v but_o to_o fall_v eternal_o into_o the_o great_a misery_n that_o they_o can_v fear_v and_o indeed_o our_o case_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v not_o only_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o case_n late_o mention_v but_o to_o the_o three_o sort_n too_o for_o as_o the_o language_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o his_o auditor_n if_o you_o believe_v not_o that_o i_o be_o he_o the_o messiah_n you_o shall_v die_v in_o your_o sin_n 24._o so_o of_o the_o two_o great_a herald_n of_o it_o the_o one_o tell_v the_o jew_n that_o neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v 12._o and_o the_o other_o tell_v the_o thessalonian_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flame_a fire_n take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 9_o who_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a destruction_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n by_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o propose_v bare_o as_o a_o proffer_n of_o heaven_n in_o case_n man_n embrace_v it_o but_o as_o a_o law_n that_o man_n shall_v embrace_v it_o upon_o the_o great_a penalty_n and_o as_o the_o only_a expedient_a and_o remedy_n to_o attain_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o escape_v endless_a misery_n so_o that_o the_o forbear_v to_o submit_v our_o neck_n to_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o well_o a_o ruinous_a course_n as_o to_o reject_v it_o that_o which_o reason_n here_o put_v we_o upon_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o consider_v whether_o or_o no_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v demonstration_n and_o will_v enable_v a_o man_n to_o answer_v direct_o all_o objection_n and_o scruple_n for_o there_o be_v divers_a course_n that_o prudence_n may_v enjoin_v a_o man_n to_o steer_v whilst_o philosophy_n suggest_v speculative_a doubt_n about_o the_o ground_n of_o such_o resolution_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a than_o not_o to_o be_v true_a or_o rather_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o adviseable_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n it_o require_v upon_o a_o probable_a expectation_n of_o obtain_v the_o blessing_n it_o promise_n than_o by_o refuse_v it_o to_o run_v a_o probable_a hazard_n of_o incur_v such_o great_a and_o endless_a misery_n as_o it_o peremptory_o threaten_v it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n but_o that_o be_v a_o allegation_n i_o be_o not_o here_o to_o consider_v since_o it_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o doctrine_n about_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o only_a author_n and_o absolute_a lord_n of_o the_o creature_n who_o can_v receive_v neither_o law_n nor_o benefit_n from_o they_o that_o can_v oblige_v he_o to_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o prescribe_v they_o what_o law_n he_o think_v fit_a that_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o obey_v and_o to_o punish_v their_o disobedience_n to_o such_o law_n and_o much_o more_o have_v a_o right_a to_o annex_v what_o condition_n he_o please_v to_o that_o inestimable_a felicity_n he_o hold_v forth_o the_o proffer_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o term_n be_v a_o free_a act_n of_o his_o mere_a goodness_n and_o the_o value_n of_o it_o incomparable_o surpass_v whatever_o we_o man_n can_v do_v or_o suffer_v to_o obtain_v it_o especial_o consider_v that_o as_o he_o may_v enforce_v his_o command_n as_o sovereign_n common_o do_v by_o threaten_a penalty_n to_o the_o disobedient_a without_o propose_v reward_n to_o the_o performer_n so_o he_o have_v give_v man_n such_o probable_a argument_n to_o ground_v their_o expectation_n on_o that_o they_o will_v be_v self-condemned_a if_o they_o reject_v the_o religion_n he_o propose_v and_o yet_o maintain_v it_o to_o be_v decent_a if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v for_o he_o to_o crown_v their_o faith_n with_o unvaluable_a blessing_n but_o as_o i_o be_v say_v the_o direct_a and_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o allegation_n belong_v not_o to_o this_o place_n where_o it_o may_v suffice_v to_o say_v that_o whether_o the_o case_n be_v hard_a or_o no_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o case_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o amount_v which_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o grant_v to_o moral_a demonstration_n a_o man_n may_v act_v rational_o in_o embrace_v that_o religion_n if_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o appear_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a than_o not_o to_o be_v true_a and_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o show_v you_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a case_n where_o prudence_n put_v we_o upon_o make_v resolution_n notwithstanding_o contrary_a doubt_n i_o know_v the_o harshness_n of_o the_o case_n be_v by_o most_o man_n make_v to_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o for_o a_o religion_n whereof_o the_o truth_n suppose_v in_o its_o promise_n and_o threat_n be_v not_o demonstrative_o prove_v we_o must_v resign_v up_o our_o pleasure_n and_o sometime_o undergo_v considerable_a hardship_n and_o loss_n and_o consequent_o we_o must_v quit_v what_o be_v certain_a for_o what_o be_v uncertain_a i_o have_v in_o another_o paper_n have_v occasion_n to_o say_v something_o else_o to_o this_o objection_n than_o what_o to_o avoid_v repetition_n shall_v make_v up_o my_o present_a answer_n which_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v that_o what_o we_o be_v to_o give_v up_o to_o become_v christian_n be_v not_o real_o so_o valuable_a in_o itself_o as_o the_o objecter_n think_v and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o scarce_a any_o value_n at_o all_o if_o compare_v to_o the_o good_n we_o may_v acquire_v by_o part_v with_o they_o for_o alas_o what_o be_v it_o that_o christianity_n require_v we_o to_o forego_v but_o small_a petty_a enjoyment_n which_o those_o that_o have_v have_v the_o most_o of_o have_v find_v they_o and_o pronounce_v they_o unsatisfactory_a whilst_o they_o possess_v they_o and_o which_o manifest_a experience_n show_v to_o be_v no_o less_o transitory_a than_o they_o have_v be_v declare_v empty_a since_o a_o thousand_o accident_n may_v take_v they_o from_o we_o and_o death_n will_v infallible_o after_o a_o short_a time_n which_o can_v be_v but_o a_o moment_n compare_v to_o eternity_n take_v we_o from_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o enjoyment_n such_o as_o they_o be_v be_v at_o least_o the_o only_a happiness_n that_o we_o can_v make_v ourselves_o sure_a of_o i_o must_v free_o profess_v that_o i_o think_v it_o therefore_o the_o more_o reasonable_a to_o part_v with_o they_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a upon_o the_o hope_n that_o christian_n religion_n give_v we_o for_o especial_o if_o a_o man_n behold_v those_o thing_n not_o only_o with_o a_o philosophical_a eye_n that_o can_v look_v through_o they_o but_o with_o a_o christian_a eye_n that_o can_v look_v beyond_o they_o if_o there_o be_v no_o great_a happiness_n i_o do_v not_o think_v so_o poor_a a_o thing_n as_o man_n call_v happiness_n worth_n be_v greedy_o desire_v and_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o transcendent_a happiness_n as_o christianity_n hold_v forth_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o deserve_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o my_o ambition_n so_o that_o either_o the_o meanness_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n will_v make_v i_o think_v it_o no_o great_a misery_n to_o want_v it_o or_o the_o excellency_n of_o heavenly_a felicity_n will_v make_v i_o think_v it_o great_a wisdom_n to_o part_v with_o earthly_a for_o it_o and_o now_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o answer_n i_o must_v invite_v you_o to_o consider_v with_o i_o that_o christian_a religion_n require_v not_o of_o we_o action_n more_o imprudent_a than_o divers_a other_o that_o be_v general_o look_v upon_o as_o comply_v with_o the_o dictate_v of_o prudence_n and_o some_o of_o they_o practise_v by_o great_a politician_n themselves_o in_o the_o weighty_a affair_n of_o state_n you_o know_v what_o a_o
prove_v in_o their_o kind_n so_o as_o that_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o whether_o they_o be_v demonstrative_a or_o no_o be_v sufficient_a the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v consider_v to_o justify_v a_o rational_a and_o prudent_a man_n embrace_v it_o this_o religion_n i_o say_v seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v such_o positive_a proof_n for_o it_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o objection_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o reason_n against_o it_o do_v real_o prove_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o right_a reason_n and_o do_v outweigh_v the_o argument_n alledgable_a in_o that_o religion_n behalf_n to_o propose_v some_o of_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o this_o answer_n of_o i_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o consideration_n hitherto_o discourse_v of_o which_o as_o i_o hint_v to_o you_o at_o the_o beginning_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o general_a unless_o you_o have_v mention_v to_o i_o some_o of_o your_o friend_n particular_a objection_n which_o when_o he_o tell_v you_o you_o will_v perhaps_o find_v that_o i_o have_v already_o give_v you_o the_o ground_n of_o answer_v they_o and_o though_o to_o propose_v argument_n to_o evince_v positive_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o excellent_a grotius_n and_o some_o other_o very_o learned_a writer_n be_v not_o as_o you_o see_v either_o my_o task_n or_o my_o design_n yet_o if_o you_o attentive_o consider_v what_o i_o write_v in_o that_o short_a discourse_n wherein_o i_o manage_v but_o that_o seem_o popular_a argument_n for_o christianity_n that_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v say_v to_o attest_v it_o you_o will_v perchance_o be_v invite_v to_o think_v that_o when_o all_o the_o other_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o man_n may_v without_o renounce_v or_o affront_a his_o reason_n be_v a_o christian._n but_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o more_o considerable_a part_n of_o what_o i_o presume_v your_o friend_n will_v object_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o consideration_n i_o have_v allege_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o some_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v not_o be_v equal_o applicable_a to_o the_o most_o absurd_a or_o unreasonable_a opinion_n for_o these_o consideration_n be_v offer_v as_o apology_n for_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o upon_o two_o or_o all_o of_o these_o three_o supposition_n the_o first_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o main_a religion_n of_o which_o such_o doctrine_n make_v a_o part_n be_v so_o far_o positive_o prove_v by_o real_a and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n and_o other_o competent_a argument_n that_o nothing_o but_o the_o manifest_a and_o irreconcilable_a repugnancy_n of_o its_o doctrine_n to_o right_a reason_n aught_o to_o hinder_v we_o from_o believe_v they_o the_o second_o that_o divers_a of_o the_o thing_n at_o which_o reasonable_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o take_v exception_n be_v such_o as_o reason_n itself_o may_v discern_v to_o be_v very_o difficult_a or_o perhaps_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o understand_v perfect_o by_o our_o own_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o three_o that_o some_o thing_n in_o christianity_n which_o many_o man_n think_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v at_o most_o but_o contrary_a to_o it_o as_o it_o be_v incompetent_o inform_v and_o assist_v but_o not_o when_o it_o be_v more_a full_o instruct_v and_o particular_o when_o it_o be_v enlighten_v and_o assist_v by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o as_o i_o think_v these_o three_o supposition_n be_v not_o just_o applicable_a i_o say_v not_o as_o the_o objection_n do_v to_o the_o most_o absurd_a or_o unreasonable_a opinion_n but_o to_o any_o other_o religion_n than_o the_o true_a which_o be_v the_o christian_n so_o the_o last_o of_o these_o supposition_n prompt_v i_o to_o take_v notice_n to_o you_o that_o though_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v exceed_o wary_a how_o we_o admit_v what_o pretend_v to_o be_v supernatural_o reveal_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v so_o we_o do_v very_o much_o wrong_v and_o prejudice_v ourselves_o if_o out_o of_o a_o unreasonable_a jealousy_n or_o to_o acquire_v or_o maintain_v the_o repute_n of_o be_v wise_a than_o other_o we_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n it_o offer_v for_o beside_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o err_v by_o reject_v or_o ignore_v the_o truth_n as_o by_o mistake_v a_o falsehood_n for_o it_o i_o consider_v that_o those_o man_n that_o have_v a_o instrument_n of_o knowledge_n which_o other_o man_n either_o have_v not_o or_o which_o be_v as_o bad_a refuse_v to_o employ_v have_v a_o very_a great_a advantage_n above_o other_o towards_o the_o acquire_n of_o truth_n and_o with_o far_o less_o part_n than_o they_o may_v discover_v divers_a thing_n which_o the_o other_o with_o all_o their_o pride_n and_o industry_n shall_v never_o attain_v to_o as_o when_o galileo_n alone_o among_o the_o modern_a astronomer_n be_v master_n of_o a_o telescope_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o make_v noble_a discovery_n in_o heaven_n of_o thing_n to_o which_o not_o only_o ptolemy_n alphonsus_n and_o tycho_n but_o even_o his_o master_n aristarchus_n samius_n and_o copernicus_n themselves_o never_o dream_v of_o and_o which_o other_o astronomer_n can_v see_v but_o by_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o instrument_n and_o on_o this_o occasion_n let_v i_o carry_v the_o comparison_n suggest_v by_o the_o telescope_n a_o little_a further_o and_o take_v notice_n that_o if_o man_n have_v hear_v that_o there_o be_v four_o planet_n move_v about_o jupiter_n and_o that_o venus_n be_v a_o opacous_a body_n and_o sometime_o horn_v like_o the_o moon_n have_v resolve_v to_o examine_v these_o thing_n by_o their_o naked_a eye_n as_o by_o the_o proper_a organ_n of_o sight_n without_o employ_v the_o telescope_n by_o which_o they_o may_v suspect_v that_o galileo_n may_v put_v some_o optical_a delusion_n upon_o they_o they_o will_v perhaps_o have_v assemble_v in_o great_a multitude_n to_o gaze_v at_o venus_n and_o jupiter_n that_o since_o plus_fw-la vident_fw-la oculi_fw-la quam_fw-la oculus_fw-la the_o number_n of_o eye_n may_v make_v amends_o for_o their_o dimness_n this_o attempt_n not_o succeed_v they_o will_v perhaps_o choose_v out_o some_o of_o the_o young_a and_o sharp_a sight_a man_n that_o by_o their_o pierce_a eye_n that_o may_v be_v discover_v which_o ordinary_a one_o can_v not_o reach_v and_o this_o expedient_a not_o succeed_v neither_o they_o will_v perhaps_o diet_v their_o stargazer_n and_o prescribe_v they_o the_o inward_a use_n of_o fennel_n and_o eye-bright_a and_o external_o apply_v collyrium_n and_o eye-water_n and_o those_o to_o as_o little_a purpose_n as_o the_o rest_n with_o such_o a_o pity_n mix_v with_o indignation_n as_o galileo_n will_v probable_o have_v look_v on_o such_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a attempt_n with_o may_v a_o judicious_a christian_a that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n admit_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n look_v upon_o the_o presumptuous_a and_o vain_a endeavour_n of_o those_o man_n who_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o natural_a part_n or_o by_o the_o improvement_n of_o they_o or_o by_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o conspire_v in_o the_o same_o search_n think_v with_o the_o bare_a eye_n of_o reason_n to_o make_v as_o great_a discovery_n of_o heavenly_a truth_n as_o a_o person_n assist_v by_o the_o revelation_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n can_v with_o great_a ease_n and_o satisfactoriness_n attain_v to_o which_o let_v i_o add_v this_o further_a improvement_n of_o the_o comparison_n that_o as_o a_o skilful_a astronomer_n will_v indeed_o first_o severe_o examine_v whether_o the_o telescope_n be_v a_o instrument_n fit_a to_o be_v trust_v and_o not_o likely_a to_o impose_v upon_o he_o but_o be_v once_o resolve_v of_o that_o will_v confident_o believe_v the_o discovery_n it_o make_v he_o however_o contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a theory_n of_o the_o celestial_a body_n and_o to_o what_o he_o himself_o believe_v before_o and_o will_v still_o if_o the_o telescope_n do_v not_o otherwise_o inform_v he_o continue_v to_o believe_v so_o a_o well_o qualify_v inquirer_n into_o religion_n though_o he_o will_v be_v very_o wary_a upon_o what_o term_n he_o admit_v scripture_n yet_o if_o he_o once_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o admit_v it_o he_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o receive_v upon_o its_o authority_n whatever_o supernatural_a truth_n it_o clear_o disclose_v to_o he_o though_o perhaps_o contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n he_o former_o hold_v and_o which_o if_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o teach_v he_o otherwise_o he_o will_v yet_o assent_v to_o and_o as_o the_o galaxy_n and_o other_o whitish_a part_n of_o the_o sky_n be_v by_o aristotle_n and_o his_o follower_n and_o many_o other_o philosopher_n who_o look_v on_o they_o only_o with_o their_o naked_a eye_n for_o many_o age_n repute_v to_o be_v but_o meteor_n but_o to_o those_o
whole_a desire_n 15._o we_o read_v of_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n save_v the_o sick_a 5._o and_o obtain_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n show_v what_o kind_n of_o prayer_n it_o must_v be_v 16._o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n signify_v high_a and_o therefore_o translator_n use_v two_o to_o express_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o no_o doubt_v right_o for_o the_o apostle_n intend_v such_o prayer_n as_o in_o which_o the_o most_o lively_a work_n of_o the_o soul_n express_v itself_o the_o same_o word_n st._n paul_n use_v 6._o speak_v of_o faith_n which_o save_v where_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n which_o show_v its_o virtue_n in_o a_o powerful_a operation_n and_o so_o be_v all_o one_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o appear_v by_o two_o other_o place_n in_o his_o epistle_n put_v together_o for_o when_o he_o say_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 13._o that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o say_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 12._o quick_a and_o powerful_a in_o work_v this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n now_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o our_o purpose_n if_o such_o a_o fervency_n of_o soul_n be_v requisite_a when_o a_o righteous_a man_n pray_v for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n what_o be_v quisite_a when_o a_o unrighteous_a man_n pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o own_o sure_o he_o need_v to_o do_v as_o st._n james_n faith_n 17._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o pray_v very_o earnest_o vehemency_n be_v usual_o signify_v in_o hebrew_n by_o the_o gemination_n or_o join_v the_o verb_n with_o the_o noun_n the_o truth_n be_v he_o which_o beg_v forgiveness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o languid_a prayer_n do_v declare_v plain_o that_o he_o neither_o mind_n to_o who_o he_o pray_v nor_o for_o what_o he_o which_o entreat_v god_n to_o forgive_v he_o his_o sin_n and_o understand_v how_o great_a a_o thing_n he_o ask_v and_o be_v sensible_a in_o what_o need_n he_o stand_v of_o it_o and_o withal_o how_o unworthy_a he_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o and_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o person_n of_o who_o he_o beg_v it_o and_o how_o much_o goodness_n that_o be_v which_o will_v bestow_v it_o and_o consequent_o how_o high_a a_o favour_n it_o must_v be_v if_o he_o receive_v it_o will_v pray_v with_o all_o possible_a earnestness_n for_o it_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o put_v up_o any_o cold_a petition_n to_o god_n much_o less_o when_o we_o beg_v so_o great_a a_o matter_n how_o earnest_o will_v a_o condemn_a man_n beg_v his_o life_n of_o the_o judge_n if_o he_o may_v have_v it_o for_o ask_v or_o but_o hope_n by_o entreaty_n to_o revoke_v the_o sentence_n pass_v against_o he_o 12._o st._n paul_n use_v another_o expression_n well_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o strive_v earnest_o in_o prayer_n as_o jacob_n do_v when_o he_o wrestle_v with_o the_o angel_n and_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v till_o he_o bless_v he_o when_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v in_o a_o agony_n i._n e._n in_o conflict_n with_o those_o amaze_a horror_n which_o the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n set_v before_o he_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v pray_v often_o and_o as_o that_o dreadful_a weight_n press_v hard_a he_o pray_v more_o earnest_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d extend_v as_o i_o may_v say_v all_o the_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o its_o utmost_a compass_n show_v the_o earnest_a work_n of_o his_o soul_n after_o he_o have_v rise_v from_o his_o knee_n by_o throw_v his_o holy_a body_n upon_o the_o ground_n lie_v prostrate_a before_o the_o eternal_a father_n as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o offer_v supplication_n with_o strong_a cry_n and_o tear_n to_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v he_o and_o be_v so_o deliver_v from_o his_o fear_n hear_v o_o penitent_a be_v thy_o saviour_n so_o earnest_a in_o his_o prayer_n in_o the_o conflict_n which_o he_o endure_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o and_o be_v thou_o dull_a and_o flaccid_a in_o prayer_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o thy_o own_o sure_o thou_o be_v not_o sensible_a what_o kind_n of_o thing_n divine_a wrath_n be_v or_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o sin_n bring_v with_o it_o a_o obligation_n to_o make_v the_o offender_n suffer_v it_o do_v thou_o think_v thyself_o able_a to_o endure_v it_o or_o it_o may_v be_v persuade_v thyself_o that_o it_o may_v be_v escape_v some_o other_o way_n awake_v awake_a o_o drowsy_a soul_n and_o pray_v mighty_o to_o god_n that_o thy_o sin_n may_v be_v forgive_v thou_o that_o thou_o may_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n pray_v that_o thou_o may_v be_v pardon_v and_o so_o not_o be_v throw_v into_o everlasting_a burn_n if_o thou_o be_v unconcerned_a or_o lazy_a in_o this_o matter_n thou_o be_v more_o profane_a than_o esau_n who_o though_o he_o be_v vile_a enough_o in_o sell_v his_o birthright_n yet_o when_o the_o blessing_n be_v depart_v from_o he_o he_o not_o only_o pray_v for_o the_o reversion_n of_o the_o sentence_n by_o which_o it_o be_v do_v but_o seek_v it_o careful_o with_o tear_n thus_o much_o will_v serve_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o repentance_n which_o though_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v yet_o the_o second_o must_v be_v add_v to_o it_o have_v perfect_o change_v our_o mind_n as_o to_o what_o be_v past_a and_o hearty_o beg_v pardon_n for_o it_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v better_a care_n for_o the_o future_a he_o which_o do_v not_o the_o first_o will_v never_o think_v of_o the_o second_o and_o though_o he_o have_v do_v the_o former_a if_o he_o proceed_v not_o to_o the_o latter_a it_o will_v do_v he_o no_o good_a it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o corn_n in_o the_o blade_n which_o never_o come_v to_o a_o ear._n as_o tertullian_n say_v well_o quid_fw-la enim_fw-la ex_fw-la poenitentia_fw-la maturescit_fw-la nisi_fw-la emendationis_fw-la fructus_fw-la repentance_n be_v fruitless_a except_o it_o bring_v forth_o a_o better_a life_n present_a penitence_n without_o future_a obedience_n be_v word_n which_o signify_v nothing_o in_o christian_a religion_n when_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v receive_v disciple_n upon_o profession_n of_o repentance_n which_o they_o make_v by_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o he_o he_o bid_v they_o not_o think_v that_o this_o will_v restore_v they_o to_o the_o divine_a favour_n except_o they_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n agreeable_a to_o that_o profession_n 8._o that_o be_v work_v correspondent_a to_o it_o 20._o and_o he_o assure_v they_o that_o the_o axe_n then_o lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n will_v cut_v it_o down_o if_o it_o do_v not_o bring_v forth_o those_o fruit_n and_o that_o fair_a leave_n shall_v not_o save_v it_o from_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o fire_n of_o this_o second_o part_n of_o repentance_n i_o shall_v speak_v in_o this_o method_n 1._o by_o show_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o after_o care_n and_o what_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a 2._o by_o make_v exhortation_n to_o this_o duty_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v only_o by_o these_o motive_n take_v 1._o from_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o repentance_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n 2._o from_o the_o great_a encouragement_n which_o we_o have_v to_o it_o from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o forgive_v sinner_n if_o they_o repent_v 3._o from_o the_o great_a and_o inevitable_a mischief_n which_o await_v those_o who_o will_v not_o repent_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o will_v make_v our_o repentance_n acceptable_a our_o return_n to_o god_n will_v always_o be_v so_o if_o it_o be_v 1._o speedy_a 2._o sincere_a 1._o the_o vileness_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o great_a as_o i_o show_v before_o that_o a_o penitent_n can_v reflect_v serious_o upon_o it_o but_o he_o must_v needs_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o undo_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o can_v this_o we_o see_v in_o st._n peter_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o think_v what_o he_o have_v do_v he_o go_v present_o out_o and_o weep_v bitter_o endeavour_v as_o soon_o as_o possible_o he_o may_v to_o wash_v away_o his_o sin_n with_o tear_n excellent_a be_v the_o counsel_n which_o salvian_n give_v in_o this_o case_n illico_fw-la ubi_fw-la concidere_fw-la consurgant_fw-la &_o elevationem_fw-la protinus_fw-la meditentur_fw-la in_o lapsu_fw-la ac_fw-la si_fw-la fieri_fw-la ullo_fw-la modo_fw-la pernicitate_fw-la poenitudinis_fw-la potest_fw-la tam_fw-la velox_fw-la sit_fw-la remedium_fw-la resurgentis_fw-la ut_fw-la u._fw-mi x_o possit_fw-la vestigium_fw-la apparere_fw-la collapsi_fw-la he_o which_o repent_v quick_o declare_v how_o willing_a
think_v of_o a_o cowardly_a return_n our_o saviour_n have_v declare_v 62._o that_o he_o who_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o heavenly_a plough_n and_o do_v not_o renounce_v what_o may_v make_v he_o look_v back_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o which_o hold_v the_o plough_n and_o often_o look_v back_o will_v make_v mad_a work_n on_o it_o his_o furrow_n will_v be_v all_o crooked_a 32._o when_o the_o same_o our_o saviour_n bid_v we_o remember_v lot_n wife_n he_o signify_v to_o we_o plain_o enough_o that_o such_o as_o have_v forsake_v sodom_n and_o their_o sin_n must_v not_o look_v back_o with_o hanker_a eye_n upon_o they_o if_o thy_o heart_n be_v sincere_a with_o god_n thou_o may_v do_v well_o to_o express_v it_o to_o god_n upon_o thy_o knee_n in_o some_o such_o word_n as_o these_o be_v o_o lord_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o thou_o but_o i_o repent_v and_o thou_o understand_v the_o depth_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o know_v that_o i_o repent_v true_o thou_o know_v all_o thing_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o in_o thy_o sacred_a presence_n i_o make_v my_o vow_n that_o i_o will_v obey_v thou_o i_o will_v observe_v the_o rule_n of_o my_o nature_n so_o far_o as_o by_o they_o i_o be_o teach_v what_o my_o duty_n be_v and_o where_o they_o fail_v i_o will_v read_v careful_o thy_o gospel_n and_o what_o i_o find_v there_o to_o be_v thy_o will_n shall_v be_v to_o i_o a_o indispensable_a law_n i_o make_v this_o solemn_a protestation_n that_o i_o will_v harbour_v no_o enemy_n of_o thou_o in_o my_o soul_n and_o lest_o any_o thing_n lurk_v there_o which_o may_v displease_v thou_o let_v i_o know_v my_o heart_n by_o thy_o instruction_n and_o i_o will_v cast_v it_o out_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v in_o thy_o sight_n a_o israelite_n indeed_o and_o pray_v that_o i_o may_v inherit_v the_o blessing_n which_o thou_o bestow_v upon_o those_o in_o who_o spirit_n be_v no_o guile_n this_o be_v well_o express_v in_o that_o holy_a prayer_n which_o david_n make_v in_o these_o word_n 24._o try_v i_o o_o god_n and_o seek_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o heart_n prove_v i_o and_o examine_v my_o thought_n look_v well_o if_o there_o be_v any_o way_n of_o wickedness_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a 2._o honest_a intention_n must_v be_v perfect_v with_o firm_a resolution_n and_o fix_a purpose_n of_o soul_n and_o that_o must_v be_v form_v and_o settle_v by_o serious_a deliberation_n that_o be_v due_a consideration_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o obedience_n and_o also_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v in_o the_o do_v they_o he_o which_o undertake_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n thus_o will_v find_v in_o a_o little_a time_n that_o he_o need_v to_o have_v his_o resolution_n so_o ground_v our_o saviour_n in_o several_a of_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n have_v teach_v we_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v some_o of_o they_o 24._o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o that_o be_v to_o be_v my_o disciple_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o he_o must_v think_v now_o of_o renounce_v all_o self-will_n and_o resign_v himself_o whole_o to_o my_o discipline_n and_o take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o his_o neck_n yield_v himself_o whole_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o my_o gospel_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v mistake_v and_o so_o fly_v off_o afterward_o our_o saviour_n have_v in_o that_o tell_v we_o plain_o what_o we_o must_v be_v viz._n godly_a righteous_a sober_a chaste_a humble_a charitable_a patient_n and_o have_v show_v we_o full_o what_o the_o work_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v have_v you_o consider_v these_o thing_n yes_o he_o require_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v exceed_o good_a i_o can_v be_v happy_a except_o i_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o his_o gospel_n require_v so_o far_o it_o be_v well_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o our_o saviour_n add_v that_o he_o must_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o i._n e._n he_o must_v not_o only_o be_v willing_a to_o compose_v his_o temper_n and_o life_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o example_n he_o must_v also_o be_v prepare_v to_o bear_v patient_o these_o affliction_n which_o may_v happen_v to_o he_o only_o for_o be_v christ_n disciple_n this_o our_o saviour_n declare_v in_o his_o general_a discourse_n and_o also_o when_o any_o particular_a person_n come_v to_o be_v proselyte_n he_o deal_v plain_o with_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v full_o inform_v and_o follow_v he_o upon_o good_a ground_n he_o acquaint_v they_o with_o what_o they_o may_v expect_v in_o his_o service_n 20._o a_o certain_a scribe_n strike_v with_o admiration_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o thereupon_o possible_o expect_v that_o in_o a_o while_n such_o a_o person_n will_v make_v his_o disciple_n great_a profess_a that_o he_o will_v follow_v he_o wheresoever_o he_o go_v our_o saviour_n to_o see_v if_o this_o forward_a man_n have_v any_o worthy_a resolution_n in_o he_o tell_v he_o how_o mean_a his_o worldly_a condition_n be_v in_o that_o the_o fox_n have_v hole_n in_o earth_n and_o bird_n have_v nest_n in_o tree_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o as_o it_o happen_v to_o divers_a of_o his_o servant_n any_o certain_a habitation_n no_o house_n of_o his_o own_o for_o himself_o much_o less_o to_o entertain_v his_o follower_n he_o bid_v he_o think_v of_o this_o and_o then_o resolve_v what_o to_o do_v for_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o this_o matter_n concern_v the_o right_a form_n of_o christian_a resolution_n let_v we_o read_v that_o discourse_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o a_o great_a multitude_n when_o he_o be_v give_v they_o his_o divine_a instruction_n touch_v this_o affair_n etc._n he_o which_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n must_v not_o only_o embrace_v my_o doctrine_n but_o must_v make_v account_n that_o possible_o many_o thing_n will_v fall_v out_o to_o he_o for_o his_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o my_o religion_n which_o will_v not_o be_v very_o please_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n he_o may_v perchance_o offend_v not_o only_o his_o neighbour_n but_o his_o parent_n and_o and_o make_v enemy_n to_o he_o of_o his_o best_a friend_n may_v endanger_v the_o lose_n of_o his_o liberty_n and_o after_o that_o his_o life_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o must_v not_o forsake_v my_o service_n for_o if_o any_o man_n come_v unto_o i_o and_o do_v not_o hate_v his_o father_n mother_n wife_n and_o child_n and_o brethren_n and_o sister_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n can_v be_v my_o disciple_n which_o word_n can_v be_v understand_v proper_o for_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o hate_v our_o parent_n and_o other_o relation_n and_o absurd_a to_o hate_v one_o self_n but_o he_o mean_v and_o other_o scripture_n teach_v we_o so_o that_o we_o must_v love_v all_o person_n and_o thing_n less_o than_o our_o saviour_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v when_o we_o suffer_v none_o of_o they_o to_o make_v we_o desert_n the_o obedience_n which_o we_o have_v promise_v he_o and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o come_v after_o i_o etc._n etc._n not_o that_o persecution_n do_v always_o follow_v the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n or_o that_o any_o man_n be_v bind_v upon_o the_o undertake_n of_o it_o to_o abandon_v all_o he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n 33._o not_o that_o we_o shall_v present_o do_v it_o because_o we_o be_v christian_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v prepare_v to_o do_v it_o prefer_v our_o saviour_n before_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o part_n with_o all_o rather_o than_o break_v our_o faith_n give_v to_o he_o to_o illustrate_v further_a what_o he_o say_v concern_v this_o way_n of_o form_v a_o resolution_n our_o saviour_n add_v two_o comparison_n take_v from_o the_o rule_n which_o man_n follow_v in_o build_v house_n and_o make_v war._n if_o any_o man_n think_v of_o raise_v a_o house_n he_o must_v cast_v up_o what_o it_o will_v cost_v he_o both_o for_o material_n and_o work_n and_o if_o he_o begin_v to_o build_v be_v either_o not_o provide_v for_o so_o much_o charge_n or_o not_o will_v to_o lay_v it_o out_o he_o will_v leave_v off_o in_o the_o middle_n of_o a_o imperfect_a design_n and_o be_v laugh_v at_o for_o a_o foolish_a undertake_n or_o if_o a_o man_n go_v to_o war_n he_o will_v consult_v with_o himself_o whether_o he_o have_v supply_n enough_o for_o his_o expedition_n and_o force_n sufficient_a to_o fight_v his_o adversary_n else_o he_o will_v think_v it_o better_a to_o keep_v peace_n if_o he_o have_v it_o or_o send_v ambassador_n for_o it_o upon_o as_o good_a condition_n as_o he_o can_v get_v so_o in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n or_o warfare_n for_o in_o divers_a respect_n religion_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o both_o we_o must_v be_v at_o much_o
be_v perform_v but_o when_o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o we_o shall_v forfeit_v our_o sincerity_n and_o for_o not_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o do_v our_o master_n will_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n god_n be_v so_o gracious_a that_o he_o have_v mercy_n upon_o our_o ignorance_n and_o pity_v our_o invincible_a infirmity_n and_o forgive_v that_o sin_n which_o we_o can_v not_o possible_o or_o probable_o avoid_v and_o he_o help_v our_o weakness_n but_o still_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v always_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n watch_v always_o against_o surprise_v as_o well_o as_o abhor_v voluntary_a transgression_n desire_v and_o endeavour_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o to_o please_v god_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o we_o perceive_v that_o the_o master_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v so_o gracious_a that_o he_o acaccept_v what_o we_o have_v do_v hearty_o and_o sincere_o though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o most_o we_o can_v have_v do_v nor_o do_v in_o the_o best_a manner_n that_o possible_o we_o can_v 4._o sincerity_n also_o suppose_v that_o which_o christ_n will_v require_v in_o every_o true_a disciple_n of_o he_o a_o good_a attainment_n a_o competent_a proficiency_n in_o the_o state_n of_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o mean_a business_n if_o the_o sincerity_n of_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v contract_v into_o a_o few_o cold_a wish_n and_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o professor_n shall_v not_o exceed_v the_o faint_a woulding_n of_o hypocrite_n especial_o since_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o most_o noble_a in_o its_o design_n and_o work_n with_o the_o high_a principle_n and_o yet_o improve_v the_o progress_n of_o its_o disciple_n but_o into_o such_o a_o motion_n as_o a_o door_n have_v upon_o the_o hinge_n and_o so_o leave_v they_o in_o the_o sad_a condition_n of_o those_o hypocrite_n who_o the_o apostle_n reproach_v who_o be_v always_o learning_n 7._o but_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n who_o be_v always_o learning_n come_v to_o those_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v teach_v but_o be_v never_o able_a to_o come_v to_o experience_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o themselves_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n because_o they_o give_v heed_n to_o the_o heretical_a doctrine_n of_o some_o seduce_a teacher_n and_o so_o nourish_v their_o hypocrisy_n in_o error_n but_o if_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o resign_v themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o it_o with_o sincerity_n it_o will_v have_v make_v they_o another_o kind_n of_o people_n for_o this_o hear_v our_o saviour_n you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n 32_o and_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a if_o you_o receive_v my_o gospel_n with_o sincere_a faith_n it_o will_v show_n itself_o in_o its_o effect_n upon_o you_o it_o will_v make_v you_o free_a from_o what_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n from_o all_o habitual_a sin_n and_o also_o from_o the_o act_n of_o gross_a sin_n every_o one_o of_o which_o be_v damnable_a which_o as_o tertullian_n say_v a_o child_n of_o god_n can_v do_v or_o must_v cease_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v they_o as_o murder_n adultery_n perjury_n idolatry_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o the_o true_a penitent_n have_v be_v former_o give_v to_o any_o sin_n he_o will_v forsake_v that_o too_o so_o david_n i_o keep_v i_o from_o my_o iniquity_n 23._o yes_o when_o he_o have_v repent_v and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o he_o can_v not_o have_v have_v any_o testimony_n of_o sincerity_n the_o attainment_n of_o a_o sincere_a christian_a be_v to_o have_v goodness_n habitual_a to_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v please_v with_o do_v his_o duty_n for_o this_o see_v 1_o john_n 5._o 3._o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a for_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcome_v the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n the_o sincere_a christian_a show_n his_o love_n in_o obedience_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o delight_n to_o do_v his_o duty_n god_n command_n be_v not_o grievous_a i._n e._n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v before_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n be_v light_a and_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n he_o overcome_v the_o world_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o he_o which_o be_v strong_a than_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n this_o our_o saviour_n expect_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o make_v after_o his_o ascension_n to_o he_o that_o overcome_v not_o to_o he_o which_o fight_v only_o no_o but_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v and_o this_o he_o may_v well_o do_v because_o he_o give_v power_n not_o only_o to_o fight_v but_o to_o overcome_v and_o say_v long_o before_o that_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o they_o more_o shall_v be_v require_v that_o be_v such_o improvement_n as_o may_v answer_n the_o bestow_a when_o our_o saviour_n compare_v himself_o to_o a_o vine_n and_o his_o servant_n to_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o suppose_v that_o he_o give_v they_o sufficient_a vital_a juice_n for_o the_o purpose_n 8._o he_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v to_o glorify_v his_o father_n by_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n and_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o appear_v plain_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n by_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o our_o great_a shepherd_n will_v have_v his_o flock_n to_o be_v such_o sheep_n as_o those_o which_o epictetus_n mention_n who_o be_v not_o to_o bring_v their_o hay_n and_o grass_n and_o lay_v it_o before_o their_o shepherd_n to_o let_v they_o see_v how_o much_o they_o have_v eat_v but_o have_v well_o digest_v their_o food_n be_v to_o bring_v it_o forth_o in_o milk_n and_o wool_n and_o so_o to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o he_o who_o say_v they_o so_o sincere_a christian_n be_v not_o to_o declare_v what_o they_o be_v in_o word_n or_o profession_n much_o less_o in_o vain_a ostentation_n or_o to_o make_v excuse_n for_o what_o they_o be_v not_o but_o have_v concoct_v our_o saviour_n doctrine_n in_o their_o soul_n do_v as_o st._n james_n teach_v 13._o show_v out_o of_o a_o good_a conversation_n their_o work_n with_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n here_o i_o think_v it_o not_o unfit_a to_o admonish_v every_o one_o who_o will_v have_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n concern_v their_o sincerity_n that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o excuse_v themselves_o to_o god_n when_o they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v no_o though_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v some_o place_n of_o scripture_n on_o their_o side_n and_o for_o this_o i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o relate_v to_o you_o what_o st._n chrysostome_n tell_v his_o church_n at_o constantinople_n upon_o this_o occasion_n he_o have_v often_o reprove_v they_o for_o go_v to_o the_o heathen_a show_n which_o by_o their_o immodesty_n be_v offensive_a to_o the_o chaste_a and_o also_o odious_a by_o their_o cruel_a effusion_n of_o humane_a blood_n after_o this_o some_o of_o his_o wander_a sheep_n have_v go_v to_o they_o again_o and_o when_o he_o still_o continue_v his_o reproof_n they_o answer_v that_o true_o they_o do_v what_o they_o will_v not_o but_o think_v that_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n since_o st._n paul_n make_v the_o same_o defence_n for_o himself_o and_o so_o they_o be_v not_o more_o to_o be_v blame_v than_o he_o since_o they_o dislike_v what_o they_o do_v this_o hypocritical_a pretext_n put_v the_o holy_a man_n into_o a_o fit_a of_o passionate_a zeal_n and_o he_o fall_v thus_o upon_o they_o what_o say_v he_o do_v you_o not_o only_o serve_v sin_n but_o abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v you_o satisfy_v your_o lust_n and_o then_o reproach_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o apostle_n ay_o i_o every_o one_o that_o love_v to_o sin_n desire_v to_o find_v out_o some_o excuse_n which_o may_v maintain_v his_o practice_n and_o now_o you_o fall_v foul_a upon_o a_o apostle_n though_o i_o know_v it_o be_v not_o with_o a_o intent_n to_o reproach_v he_o but_o to_o make_v a_o apology_n for_o yourselves_o then_o that_o they_o may_v not_o think_v that_o st._n paul_n speak_v those_o word_n in_o that_o chapter_n of_o himself_o but_o in_o the_o person_n of_o one_o in_o conflict_n with_o sin_n but_o at_o present_a overcome_v by_o it_o and_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o danger_n cry_v out_o o_o miserable_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o death_n and_o that_o st._n paul_n himself_o be_v not_o now_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n to_o obey_v what_o it_o command_v he_o add_v be_v st._n paul_n carnal_a in_o who_o christ_n live_v who_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o have_v christ_n always_o
scandalous_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o religion_n but_o question_v the_o truth_n and_o despise_v the_o very_a name_n of_o it_o they_o rather_o choose_v to_o imitate_v the_o rebel_n in_o the_o other_o parable_n and_o say_v of_o religion_n what_o they_o do_v of_o their_o lawful_a king_n when_o they_o insolent_o declare_v that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v he_o to_o reign_v over_o they_o luke_n 19_o 14._o they_o seek_v not_o to_o hide_v their_o sin_n like_o adam_n but_o think_v either_o to_o cover_v or_o protect_v all_o other_o by_o that_o great_a of_o all_o impiety_n and_o instead_o of_o cheat_a conscience_n into_o silence_n as_o sinner_n not_o impudent_a be_v wont_a to_o do_v by_o deceitful_a promise_n of_o repent_v hereafter_o of_o their_o sin_n they_o endeavour_v to_o stifle_v or_o depose_v it_o by_o maintain_v that_o repentance_n be_v a_o weakness_n of_o mind_n and_o conscience_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o vicegerent_n of_o a_o deity_n who_o very_a existence_n or_o providence_n they_o dispute_v and_o that_o which_o more_o trouble_a i_o and_o make_v i_o most_o apprehend_v the_o spread_a of_o this_o impiety_n be_v that_o it_o be_v propagate_v in_o a_o new_a way_n that_o make_v i_o fear_n the_o argument_n not_o only_o of_o vulgar_a preacher_n but_o even_o of_o learned_a divine_v themselves_o will_v be_v much_o less_o fit_a than_o former_o to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o its_o progress_n for_o till_o of_o late_a the_o generality_n of_o our_o infidel_n do_v either_o as_o philologer_n question_v the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o perhaps_o cavil_v at_o some_o of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o if_o they_o employ_v philosophical_a argument_n as_o pomponatius_n and_o vaninus_n do_v they_o borrow_a they_o from_o aristotle_n or_o the_o peripatetic_a school_n and_o against_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o adversary_n the_o learnede_a champion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n such_o as_o vives_n mornay_n and_o grotius_n have_v furnish_v divine_n with_o good_a and_o proper_a weapon_n for_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o especial_o the_o miracle_n be_v strong_o confirmable_a by_o competent_a testimony_n and_o other_o moral_a proof_n sufficient_a in_o their_o kind_n and_o aristotle_n be_v himself_o a_o dark_a and_o dubious_a writer_n and_o his_o follower_n be_v on_o that_o account_n divide_v into_o sect_n and_o party_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v nothing_o to_o allege_v but_o his_o single_a authority_n it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o answer_v the_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o peripatetic_a philosophy_n and_o if_o that_o can_v not_o have_v be_v do_v it_o have_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n themselves_o as_o false_a or_o precarious_a but_o our_o new_a libertine_n take_v another_o and_o short_a way_n though_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o more_o prosperous_a one_o to_o undermine_v religion_n for_o not_o trouble_v themselves_o to_o examine_v the_o historical_a or_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o christian_a theology_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o jew_n pagan_n mahometan_n will_v do_v these_o deny_v those_o very_a principle_n of_o natural_a theology_n wherein_o the_o christian_a and_o those_o other_o differ_v religion_n agree_v and_o which_o be_v suppose_v in_o almost_o all_o religion_n that_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n namely_o the_o existence_n and_o providence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o a_o future_a state_n after_o this_o life_n be_v end_v for_o these_o libertine_n own_o themselves_o to_o be_v so_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o epicurean_a or_o other_o mechanical_a principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o therefore_o to_o press_v they_o with_o the_o authority_n wont_a to_o be_v employ_v by_o preacher_n be_v improper_a since_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o pay_v any_o respect_n to_o the_o venerable_a father_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o slight_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n themselves_o judge_v no_o writer_n worthy_a of_o that_o name_n but_o those_o that_o like_o leucippus_n democritus_n epicurus_n etc._n etc._n explicate_v thing_n by_o matter_n and_o local_a motion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v reverence_v any_o more_o the_o peripatetic_a argument_n of_o scotus_n or_o aquinas_n than_o the_o homily_n of_o st._n augustine_n or_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o to_o give_v aristotle_n himself_o the_o title_n of_o the_o philosopher_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v some_o of_o they_o conclude_v the_o ascriber_n be_v no_o philosopher_n and_o this_o by_o the_o way_n may_v excuse_v i_o for_o not_o have_v bring_v into_o the_o follow_a paper_n the_o sentence_n of_o the_o father_n or_o the_o moralist_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o aristotle_n or_o any_o of_o the_o school-philosopher_n which_o i_o shall_v have_v decline_v to_o employ_v though_o my_o frequent_a remove_n from_o place_n to_o place_n when_o i_o be_v write_v these_o paper_n have_v not_o deny_v i_o the_o convenience_n of_o a_o library_n thing_n be_v at_o this_o pass_n though_o the_o title_n of_o this_o discourse_n acknowledge_v the_o author_n of_o it_o to_o be_v a_o layman_n yet_o i_o shall_v not_o beg_v pardon_n for_o the_o ensue_a paper_n as_o for_o a_o entrenchment_n upon_o the_o ecclesiastic_n for_o beside_o that_o though_o i_o know_v some_o function_n yet_o i_o know_v no_o truth_n of_o religion_n that_o have_v the_o peculiarity_n of_o the_o shewbread_n under_o the_o law_n mat._n 12._o 4._o with_o which_o it_o be_v lawful_a only_o for_o the_o priest_n to_o meddle_v i_o will_v not_o so_o far_o mistrust_v the_o charity_n of_o churchman_n as_o not_o to_o suppose_v that_o they_o will_v rather_o thank_v than_o blame_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o altogether_o a_o stranger_n to_o this_o warfare_n offer_v they_o his_o assistance_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n in_o so_o important_a a_o quarrel_n and_o so_o great_a a_o danger_n the_o father_n and_o other_o divine_n be_v wont_a to_o compare_v the_o church_n militant_a to_o a_o ship_n it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o improper_a extension_n of_o the_o comparison_n to_o say_v that_o when_o the_o vessel_n be_v threaten_v with_o shipwreck_n or_o board_v by_o pirate_n it_o may_v be_v the_o duty_n not_o only_o of_o profess_a seaman_n but_o any_o private_a passenger_n to_o lend_v his_o help_a hand_n in_o that_o common_a danger_n and_o i_o wish_v i_o be_v as_o sure_o that_o my_o endeavour_n will_v prove_v successful_a as_o i_o be_o that_o such_o churchman_n as_o i_o most_o esteem_v will_v think_v they_o neither_o needless_a nor_o unseasonable_a nay_o perhaps_o my_o be_v a_o secular_a person_n may_v the_o better_o qualify_v i_o to_o work_v on_o those_o i_o be_o to_o deal_v with_o and_o may_v make_v my_o argument_n though_o not_o more_o solid_a in_o themselves_o yet_o more_o prevalent_a with_o man_n that_o usual_o though_o how_o just_o let_v they_o consider_v have_v a_o particular_a pique_n at_o the_o clergy_n and_o look_v with_o prejudice_n upon_o whatever_o be_v teach_v by_o man_n who_o interest_n be_v advantage_v by_o have_v what_o they_o teach_v believe_v and_o i_o be_v the_o more_o invite_v not_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a spectator_n or_o a_o lazy_a deplorer_n of_o the_o danger_n i_o see_v religion_n in_o because_o it_o seem_v not_o unlikely_a that_o philosophical_a infidel_n as_o they_o will_v be_v think_v will_v be_v less_o tractable_a to_o divine_n though_o never_o so_o good_a humanist_n and_o antiquary_n than_o to_o a_o person_n that_o reason_n with_o they_o upon_o their_o own_o ground_n and_o discourse_n with_o they_o in_o their_o own_o way_n have_v have_v a_o somewhat_o more_o than_o ordinary_a curiosity_n to_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o epicurean_a and_o cartesian_a principle_n and_o exercise_v himself_o in_o that_o philosophy_n which_o be_v very_o conversant_a with_o thing_n corporeal_a and_o strive_v to_o explain_v they_o by_o matter_n and_o motion_n and_o shake_v off_o all_o authority_n at_o least_o that_o be_v not_o infallible_a upon_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o i_o comply_v with_o a_o occasion_n i_o have_v of_o solemn_o ask_v reason_n the_o question_n that_o joshua_n once_o ask_v the_o angel_n that_o appear_v to_o he_o in_o the_o plain_n of_o jericho_n be_v thou_o for_o we_o or_o for_o our_o adversary_n josh._n 5._o 14_o and_o of_o commit_v to_o paper_n those_o thought_n that_o shall_v occur_v to_o i_o on_o that_o subject_a and_o this_o i_o the_o rather_o do_v that_o i_o may_v thereby_o as_o well_o contribute_v to_o my_o own_o satisfaction_n as_o to_o that_o of_o my_o friend_n for_o as_o i_o think_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o belong_v to_o this_o life_n that_o so_o much_o deserve_v our_o serious_a care_n as_o what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o when_o we_o be_v pass_v it_o so_o i_o think_v that_o he_o who_o take_v a_o resolution_n either_o to_o embrace_v or_o reject_v so_o important_a a_o thing_n as_o religion_n without_o
capacity_n i_o be_o not_o a_o christian_a because_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o my_o country_n and_o my_o friend_n nor_o because_o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o principle_n either_o of_o the_o atomical_a or_o the_o mechanical_a philosophy_n i_o admit_v no_o man_n opinion_n in_o the_o whole_a lump_n and_o have_v not_o scruple_v on_o occasion_n to_o own_o dissent_n from_o the_o generality_n of_o learned_a man_n whether_o philosopher_n or_o divine_n and_o when_o i_o choose_v to_o travel_v in_o the_o beat_a road_n it_o be_v not_o because_o i_o find_v it_o be_v the_o road_n but_o because_o i_o judge_v it_o be_v the_o way_n possible_o i_o shall_v have_v much_o few_o adversary_n if_o all_o those_o that_o yet_o be_v so_o have_v as_o attentive_o and_o impartial_o consider_v the_o point_n in_o controversy_n as_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o do_v they_o will_v then_o it_o be_v like_a have_v see_v that_o the_o question_v i_o handle_v be_v not_o whether_o rational_a being_n oughts_z to_o avoid_v unreasonable_a assent_n but_o whither_o when_o the_o historical_a and_o other_o moral_a proof_n clear_o sway_v the_o scale_n in_o favour_n of_o christianity_n we_o ought_v to_o fly_v from_o the_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v the_o grant_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o providence_n to_o hypothesis_n whether_o epicurean_a or_o other_o that_o be_v themselves_o encumber_v with_o confound_a difficulty_n on_o which_o account_n i_o conceive_v that_o the_o question_n between_o they_o and_o i_o be_v not_o whether_o they_o or_o i_o aught_o to_o submit_v to_o reason_n for_o we_o both_o agree_v in_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o that_o but_o whether_o they_o or_o i_o submit_v to_o reason_v the_o fully_a inform_v and_o least_o bias_v by_o sensuality_n vanity_n or_o secular_a interest_n i_o reverence_n and_o cherish_v reason_n as_o much_o i_o hope_v as_o any_o of_o they_o but_o i_o will_v have_v reason_n practice_v ingenuity_n as_o well_o as_o curiosity_n and_o both_o industrious_o pry_v into_o thing_n within_o her_o sphere_n and_o frank_o acknowledge_v what_o no_o philosopher_n that_o consider_v will_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n beyond_o it_o and_o in_o these_o it_o be_v that_o i_o think_v it_o as_o well_o her_o duty_n to_o admit_v revelation_n as_o her_o happiness_n to_o have_v it_o propose_v to_o she_o and_o even_o as_o to_o revelation_n themselves_o i_o allow_v reason_n to_o judge_v of_o they_o before_o she_o judge_n by_o they_o the_o follow_a paper_n will_v i_o hope_v manifest_a that_o the_o main_a difference_n betwixt_o my_o adversary_n and_o i_o be_v that_o they_o judge_v upon_o particular_a difficulty_n and_o objection_n and_o i_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o to_o conclude_v as_o i_o make_v use_n of_o my_o watch_n to_o estimate_v time_n when_o ever_o the_o sun_n be_v absent_a or_o cloud_v but_o when_o he_o shine_v clear_o forth_o i_o scruple_n not_o to_o correct_v and_o adjust_a my_o watch_n by_o his_o beam_n cast_v on_o a_o dial_n so_o wherever_o no_o better_a light_n be_v to_o be_v have_v i_o estimate_v truth_n by_o my_o own_o reason_n but_o where_o divine_a revelation_n can_v be_v consult_v i_o willing_o submit_v my_o fallible_a reason_n to_o the_o sure_a information_n afford_v by_o celestial_a light_n i_o shall_v here_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o long_a preface_n but_o that_o to_o the_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v what_o i_o have_v write_v of_o my_o own_o i_o see_v it_o be_v requisite_a that_o i_o add_v a_o few_o word_n about_o what_o i_o quote_v from_o other_o writer_n especial_o because_o in_o this_o very_a preface_n i_o mention_v my_o have_v intend_v to_o entertain_v my_o friend_n with_o my_o own_o thought_n of_o the_o citation_n therefore_o that_o my_o reader_n will_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o follow_a paper_n i_o have_v this_o account_n to_o give_v he_o 1._o that_o i_o have_v write_v the_o consideration_n and_o distinction_n to_o which_o they_o be_v annex_v before_o i_o meet_v with_o these_o cite_a passage_n which_o i_o afterward_o insert_v in_o the_o margin_n and_o other_o vacant_a place_n of_o my_o epistle_n 2._o that_o these_o passage_n be_v not_o borrow_a from_o book_n that_o treat_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o of_o christian_a theology_n at_o all_o but_o be_v take_v from_o author_n that_o write_v of_o philosophical_a subject_n and_o be_v by_o i_o apply_v to_o i_o which_o be_v usual_o very_o distant_a from_o they_o 3._o if_o you_o then_o ask_v i_o why_o i_o make_v use_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o do_v not_o content_v myself_o with_o my_o own_o ratiocination_n i_o have_v this_o to_o answer_n that_o my_o design_n be_v to_o convince_v another_o who_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o look_v upon_o my_o authority_n and_o who_o i_o have_v cause_n to_o suspect_v to_o have_v entertain_v some_o prejudices_fw-la against_o any_o reason_n that_o shall_v come_v from_o one_o that_o confess_o aim_v at_o the_o defend_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o think_v it_o very_o proper_a and_o expedient_a to_o let_v he_o see_v that_o divers_a of_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o substance_n that_o i_o deliver_v in_o favour_n of_o that_o religion_n have_v be_v teach_v as_o philosophical_a truth_n by_o man_n that_o be_v not_o profess_a divine_n and_o be_v philosopher_n and_o such_o strict_a naturalist_n too_o as_o to_o be_v extraordinary_o careful_a not_o to_o take_v any_o thing_n into_o their_o philosophy_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o revelation_n and_o on_o this_o occasion_n let_v i_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o there_o be_v some_o argument_n which_o be_v clear_o build_v upon_o sense_n or_o evident_a experiment_n need_v borrow_v no_o assistance_n from_o the_o refutation_n of_o any_o of_o the_o proposer_n or_o approver_n and_o may_v i_o think_v be_v fit_o enough_o compare_v to_o arrow_n shoot_v out_o of_o a_o cross-bow_n or_o bullet_n shoot_v out_o of_o a_o gun_n which_o have_v the_o same_o strength_n and_o pierce_v equal_o whether_o they_o be_v discharge_v by_o a_o child_n or_o a_o strong_a man._n but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o ratiocination_n which_o either_o do_v or_o be_v suppose_v to_o depend_v in_o some_o measure_n upon_o the_o judgement_n and_o skill_n of_o those_o that_o make_v the_o observation_n whereon_o they_o be_v ground_v and_o their_o ability_n to_o discern_v truth_n from_o counterfeit_n and_o solid_a thing_n from_o those_o that_o be_v but_o superficial_a one_o and_o these_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o arrow_n shoot_v out_o of_o a_o longbow_n which_o make_v much_o the_o great_a impression_n by_o be_v shoot_v by_o a_o strong_a and_o skilful_a archer_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o question_v what_o doctrine_n ought_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v reasonable_a it_o do_v not_o a_o little_a facilitate_v a_o proposition_n appear_v not_o contrary_a but_o consonant_a to_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o such_o by_o those_o that_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o master_n of_o that_o faculty_n errata_fw-la pag._n 38._o line_n 6._o read_v of_o for_o or_o ib._n l._n 9_o deal_n all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o whole_a parenthesis_n ib._n l._n 19_o the_o discourse_n begin_v in_o that_o line_n with_o the_o word_n if_o no_o body_n and_o end_v p._n 43._o l._n 7._o with_o the_o word_n contiguous_a and_o move_v be_v to_o be_v include_v between_o two_o sign_n of_o a_o parathesis_n p._n 43._o l._n 18._o del_o parenthesis_n before_o the_o word_n as_o be_v and_o put_v it_o l._n 20._o before_o the_o word_n and._n some_o consideration_n about_o the_o reconcileableness_n of_o reason_n &_o religion_n the_o first_o part._n as_o to_o what_o you_o write_v in_o your_o friend_n name_n near_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o first_o page_n of_o your_o letter_n perhaps_o i_o shall_v not_o mistake_v if_o i_o guess_v that_o when_o he_o seem_v but_o to_o propose_v a_o question_n he_o mean_v a_o objection_n and_o covert_o intimate_v that_o i_o among_o many_o other_o be_o reduce_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o to_o embrace_v our_o religion_n we_o must_v renounce_v our_o reason_n and_o consequent_o that_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n one_o must_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o man_n and_o much_o more_o leave_v off_o be_v a_o philosopher_n what_o liberal_a concession_n soever_o some_o other_o have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v on_o such_o a_o occasion_n as_o this_o they_o do_v not_o concern_v i_o who_o be_v ask_v but_o my_o own_o opinion_n do_v not_o think_v myself_o responsible_a for_o that_o of_o other_o and_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v frame_v my_o answer_n so_o as_o to_o meet_v both_o with_o the_o obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o question_n and_o the_o intimate_v meaning_n of_o he_o that_o propose_v it_o i_o shall_v roundly_o make_v a_o negative_a reply_n and_o say_v that_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v true_o so_o be_v oblige_v to_o forego_v
till_o i_o see_v some_o clear_a proof_n of_o it_o than_o i_o have_v yet_o meet_v with_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n to_o say_v something_o that_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o point_n under_o debate_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o this_o letter_n i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o touch_v upon_o it_o again_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v now_o say_v but_o this_o in_o short_a that_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o revelation_n shall_v make_v it_o man_n duty_n to_o believe_v as_o true_a that_o which_o there_o be_v just_a reason_n to_o reject_v as_o false_a there_o be_v indeed_o a_o sense_n wherein_o the_o phrase_n i_o disapprove_v may_v be_v tolerate_v for_o if_o by_o say_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a in_o divinity_n but_o false_a in_o philosophy_n it_o be_v mean_v that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n be_v propose_v to_o a_o mere_a philosopher_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o sect_n or_o at_o most_o according_a to_o what_o he_o be_v suppose_v not_o to_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o have_v it_o due_o propose_v to_o he_o will_v reject_v it_o the_o phrase_n may_v be_v allow_v or_o at_o least_o indulge_v but_o then_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o such_o a_o philosopher_n will_v reject_v the_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n will_v not_o be_v because_o they_o can_v by_o no_o medium_n be_v possible_o prove_v but_o because_o these_o doctrine_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o revelation_n which_o he_o be_v presume_v either_o not_o to_o have_v hear_v of_o or_o not_o to_o have_v have_v sufficient_o propose_v to_o he_o he_o must_v as_o a_o rational_a man_n refuse_v to_o believe_v they_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o prooflesness_n and_o the_o same_o philosopher_n suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o true_a one_o though_o he_o will_v be_v very_o wary_a how_o he_o admit_v any_o thing_n as_o true_a that_o be_v not_o prove_v if_o it_o fall_v proper_o under_o the_o cognizance_n of_o philosophy_n yet_o he_o will_v be_v as_o wary_a how_o he_o pronounce_v thing_n to_o be_v false_a or_o impossible_a in_o matter_n which_o he_o discern_v to_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n especial_o if_o sober_a and_o learned_a man_n do_v very_o confident_o pretend_v to_o know_v something_o of_o those_o matter_n by_o divine_a revelation_n which_o though_o he_o will_v not_o easy_o believe_v to_o be_v a_o true_a one_o yet_o he_o will_v admit_v in_o case_n it_o shall_v be_v prove_v true_a to_o be_v a_o fit_a medium_fw-la to_o evince_v truth_n which_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o mere_a natural_a light_n he_o can_v not_o discover_v or_o embrace_v to_o be_v short_a such_o a_o philosopher_n will_v indeed_o reject_v some_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n hypothetical_o i._n e._n upon_o supposition_n that_o he_o need_v employ_v no_o other_o touchstone_n to_o examine_v they_o by_o than_o the_o principle_n and_o dictate_v of_o natural_a philosophy_n that_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o upon_o which_o score_n i_o shall_v hereafter_o show_v that_o divers_a strange_a chemical_a experiment_n and_o other_o discovery_n will_v also_o be_v reject_v but_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o pronounce_v they_o false_a but_o upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o they_o lay_v claim_v to_o divine_a revelation_n be_v incompetent_a in_o their_o kind_n for_o as_o he_o will_v not_o easy_o believe_v any_o thing_n within_o the_o sphere_n of_o nature_n that_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o establish_v law_n of_o it_o so_o he_o will_v not_o easy_o adventure_v to_o pronounce_v one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o nature_n he_o will_v indeed_o as_o he_o just_o may_v expect_v as_o full_a a_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a testimony_n that_o be_v pretend_v as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v and_o allow_v but_o he_o will_v not_o be_v backward_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n to_o who_o that_o testimony_n be_v ascribe_v be_v able_a to_o know_v and_o to_o do_v many_o more_o thing_n than_o we_o can_v explicate_v how_o he_o can_v discover_v or_o imagine_v how_o any_o physical_a agent_n can_v perform_v since_o i_o propose_v to_o you_o this_o five_o consideration_n i_o happen_v to_o light_v on_o a_o passage_n in_o des_n cartes_n principle_n which_o afford_v of_o what_o i_o have_v be_v discover_v the_o suffrage_n of_o a_o philosopher_n 25._o that_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v accuse_v of_o exclude_v theology_n too_o scrupulous_o out_o of_o his_o philosophy_n his_o word_n be_v so_o full_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n that_o i_o need_v not_o to_o accommodate_v they_o to_o it_o alter_v one_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o shall_v transcribe_v they_o just_a as_o they_o lie_v si_fw-mi fortè_fw-la nobis_fw-la deus_fw-la de_fw-la seipso_fw-la vel_fw-la aliis_fw-la aliquid_fw-la revelet_fw-la quod_fw-la naturales_fw-la ingenii_n nostri_fw-la vires_fw-la excedat_fw-la qualia_fw-la sunt_fw-la mysteria_fw-la incarnationis_fw-la &_o trinitatis_fw-la non_fw-la recusabimus_fw-la illa_fw-la credere_fw-la quamvis_fw-la non_fw-la clarè_v intelligamus_fw-la nec_fw-la ullo_fw-la modo_fw-la mirabimur_fw-la multa_fw-la esse_fw-la tum_fw-la in_o immensa_fw-la ejus_fw-la natura_fw-la tum_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o rebus_fw-la ab_fw-la eo_fw-la creatis_fw-la quae_fw-la capio_fw-la nostrum_fw-la excedant_fw-la and_o let_v i_o add_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o whereas_o the_o main_a scruple_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v suggest_v by_o philosophy_n against_o some_o mysterious_a article_n of_o religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o this_o that_o the_o modus_fw-la as_o they_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n be_v not_o clear_o conceivable_a or_o at_o least_o be_v very_o hardly_o explicable_a these_o objection_n be_v not_o always_o so_o weighty_a as_o perhaps_o by_o the_o confidence_n wherewith_o they_o be_v urge_v you_o may_v think_v they_o for_o whereas_o i_o observe_v to_o you_o already_o that_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n maintain_v by_o school_n divine_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o observation_n be_v chief_o applicable_a to_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v consider_v since_o in_o several_a of_o these_o nice_a point_n the_o scripture_n affirm_v only_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o schoolman_n be_v please_v to_o add_v the_o modus_fw-la and_o as_o by_o their_o unwarrantable_a boldness_n the_o school_n divine_v determine_v many_o thing_n without_o book_n so_o the_o scruple_n and_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v against_o what_o the_o scripture_n real_o deliver_v be_v usual_o ground_v upon_o the_o erroneous_a or_o precarious_a assertion_n of_o the_o school_n philosopher_n who_o often_o give_v the_o title_n of_o metaphysical_a truth_n to_o conceit_n that_o do_v very_o little_o deserve_v that_o name_n and_o to_o which_o a_o rigid_a philosopher_n will_v perhaps_o think_v that_o of_o sublime_a nonsense_n more_o proper_a but_o of_o this_o i_o elsewhere_o say_v enough_o and_o therefore_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n i_o chief_o intend_v viz._n that_o from_o hence_o that_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o a_o reveal_v truth_n be_v either_o very_a hard_a or_o not_o at_o all_o explicable_a it_o will_v not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v irrational_a provide_v the_o positive_a proof_n of_o its_o truth_n be_v sufficient_a in_o their_o kind_n for_o even_o in_o natural_a thing_n philosopher_n themselves_o do_v and_o must_v admit_v several_a thing_n whereof_o they_o can_v clear_o explicate_v or_o perhaps_o conceive_v the_o modus_fw-la i_o will_v not_o here_o mention_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o substantial_a form_n as_o a_o instance_n in_o this_o kind_n because_o though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o fit_a one_o as_o to_o the_o peripatetic_a philosophy_n yet_o not_o admit_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o being_n i_o will_v take_v no_o further_o notice_n of_o they_o especial_o because_o for_o a_o clear_a instance_n to_o our_o present_a purpose_n we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o than_o ourselves_o and_o consider_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o man_n for_o who_o can_v physical_o explain_v both_o how_o a_o immaterial_a substance_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o guide_v or_o determine_v and_o excite_v the_o motion_n of_o a_o body_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v motion_n in_o it_o as_o by_o dead_a palsy_n great_a faintness_n etc._n etc._n it_o appear_v the_o soul_n can_v and_o which_o be_v far_o more_o difficult_a how_o a_o incorporeal_a substance_n shall_v receive_v such_o impression_n from_o the_o motion_n of_o a_o body_n as_o to_o be_v thereby_o affect_v with_o real_a pain_n and_o pleasure_n to_o which_o i_o elsewhere_o add_v some_o other_o property_n of_o this_o union_n which_o though_o not_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v perhaps_o no_o less_o difficult_a to_o be_v conceive_v and_o account_v for_o for_o how_o can_v we_o comprehend_v that_o there_o shall_v
competent_a estimator_n and_o be_v accustom_v to_o bring_v much_o patience_n and_o attention_n to_o the_o discernment_n of_o difficult_a and_o important_a truth_n profess_v themselves_o satisfy_v with_o they_o the_o probation_n may_v yet_o be_v cogent_a notwithstanding_o the_o difficulty_n to_o have_v their_o strength_n apprehend_v for_o if_o such_o a_o difficulty_n ought_v to_o pass_v for_o a_o mark_n that_o a_o ratiocination_n be_v not_o valid_a no_o reason_v will_v be_v find_v fit_a to_o be_v reject_v or_o distrust_a than_o many_o of_o those_o who_o cogency_n have_v procure_v such_o a_o repute_n to_o mathematical_a demonstration_n 3._o it_o may_v also_o be_v deduce_v from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o against_o reason_n to_o embrace_v a_o opinion_n which_o may_v be_v encumber_v with_o a_o great_a difficulty_n or_o liable_a to_o a_o objection_n not_o easy_a to_o be_v solve_v especial_o if_o the_o subject_a be_v such_o that_o other_o opinion_n about_o it_o avoid_v not_o either_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n or_o as_o great_a one_o the_o first_o part_n of_o what_o be_v say_v in_o this_o consideration_n will_v often_o follow_v from_o the_o supposition_n make_v in_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n for_o those_o thing_n that_o render_v a_o doctrine_n or_o assertion_n difficult_a to_o be_v conceive_v and_o explain_v will_v easy_o supply_v the_o adversary_n of_o it_o with_o objection_n against_o it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o latter_a viz._n the_o clause_n which_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o consideration_n to_o which_o it_o be_v annex_v will_v chief_o take_v place_n in_o that_o sort_n of_o opinion_n that_o be_v specify_v in_o it_o it_o will_v need_v but_o little_a of_o distinct_a proof_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a enough_o that_o if_o the_o subject_a or_o object_n about_o which_o the_o opinion_n propose_v be_v conversant_a be_v such_o that_o not_o only_o the_o contradictory_n opinion_n but_o other_o also_o be_v obnoxious_a either_o to_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n or_o to_o other_o that_o be_v equal_a or_o great_a the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v urge_v against_o a_o theological_a doctrine_n may_v as_o have_v be_v show_v already_o in_o the_o first_o corollary_n be_v rational_o enough_o attribute_v not_o to_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o opinion_n but_o to_o somewhat_o else_o the_o last_o consectary_n that_o as_o i_o intimate_v may_v be_v deduce_v from_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v something_o theological_a for_o a_o truth_n which_o i_o do_v not_o say_v be_v true_o inconsistent_a with_o but_o we_o do_v not_o clear_o discern_v to_o comport_v very_o well_o with_o something_o else_o that_o we_o also_o take_v for_o a_o truth_n or_o perhaps_o that_o be_v one_o indeed_o if_o the_o theological_a tenet_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o its_o kind_n and_o be_v of_o that_o sort_n of_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v be_v of_o late_a and_o be_v yet_o discourse_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o our_o philosopher_n as_o well_o as_o divine_n believe_v that_o god_n have_v a_o foreknowledge_n of_o all_o future_a contingency_n and_o yet_o how_o a_o certain_a prescience_n can_v consist_v with_o the_o freewill_n of_o man_n which_o yet_o be_v general_o grant_v he_o in_o thing_n mere_o moral_a or_o civil_a be_v so_o difficult_a to_o discern_v that_o the_o socinian_o be_v wont_a to_o deny_v such_o thing_n as_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o free_a agent_n to_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o omniscience_n and_o the_o head_n of_o the_o remonstrant_n though_o a_o very_a subtle_a writer_n confess_v that_o he_o know_v not_o how_o clear_o to_o make_v out_o the_o consistency_n of_o god_n prescience_n and_o man_n freedom_n both_o which_o he_o yet_o confess_v to_o be_v truth_n be_v compel_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o former_a for_o the_o latter_a be_v evident_a as_o well_o by_o the_o infiniteness_n that_o must_v be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n perfection_n as_o by_o the_o prophetic_a prediction_n whereby_o such_o contingent_a event_n have_v be_v actual_o foretell_v and_o the_o reconcilement_n of_o these_o truth_n be_v not_o a_o difficulty_n peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o concern_v speculative_a man_n in_o all_o religion_n who_o acknowledge_v the_o deity_n to_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a and_o allow_v man_n as_o they_o do_v to_o be_v a_o free_a agent_n but_o i_o have_v make_v this_o section_n so_o prolix_a already_o that_o i_o must_v not_o enlarge_v on_o this_o three_o particular_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v shut_v it_o up_o with_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o des-cartes_n which_o may_v be_v apply_v not_o only_o to_o it_o but_o to_o almost_o all_o that_o have_v be_v discourse_v in_o this_o section_n and_o indeed_o to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o letter_n he_o then_o in_o a_o epistle_n that_o come_v not_o forth_o till_o some_o year_n after_o the_o writer_n death_n speak_v thus_o to_o the_o philosophical_a adversary_n to_o who_o it_o be_v address_v as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v when_o the_o question_n be_v about_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o god_n or_o to_o what_o be_v infinite_a we_o must_v not_o consider_v what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v of_o they_o 16._o since_o we_o know_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o we_o but_o only_a what_o we_o can_v conceive_v of_o they_o or_o can_v attain_v to_o by_o any_o certain_a reason_n or_o argument_n sect_n vii_o and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n to_o advance_v to_o one_o of_o the_o main_a consideration_n i_o have_v to_o propose_v to_o you_o concern_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o letter_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o when_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v whether_o a_o thing_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n or_o not_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n whether_o we_o take_v reason_n for_o the_o faculty_n furnish_v only_o with_o its_o own_o innate_a principle_n and_o such_o notion_n as_o be_v general_o obvious_a nay_o and_o if_o you_o please_v with_o this_o or_o that_o philosophical_a theory_n or_o for_o the_o faculty_n illuminate_v by_o divine_a revelation_n especial_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n common_o call_v the_o scripture_n to_o clear_v and_o enforce_v this_o the_o better_a i_o shall_v invite_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n with_o i_o of_o the_o two_o follow_v particular_n we_o may_v then_o in_o the_o first_o place_n consider_v that_o even_o in_o thing_n mere_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o think_v it_o at_o all_o irrational_a to_o believe_v divers_a such_o thing_n upon_o extrinsical_a proof_n especial_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o skilful_a as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o that_o testimony_n a_o man_n though_o bear_v with_o good_a part_n and_o possible_o very_o learned_a in_o the_o peripatetic_a or_o some_o other_o particular_a philosophy_n will_v look_v upon_o as_o irrational_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o instance_n in_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o loadstone_n and_o particular_o such_o as_o these_o that_o the_o loadstone_n though_o as_o be_v above_o intimate_v with_o one_o part_n it_o will_v draw_v yet_o with_o another_o the_o same_o stone_n will_v repel_v the_o same_o point_n of_o the_o same_o excite_a needle_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v fit_a to_o attract_v either_o point_n of_o another_o needle_n that_o never_o come_v near_o a_o loadstone_n before_o that_o though_o it_o be_v the_o loadstone_n that_o impart_v a_o attractive_a virtue_n to_o the_o iron_n yet_o when_o the_o loadstone_n be_v cape_v as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o so_o a_o piece_n of_o iron_n and_o consequent_o a_o distance_n be_v interpose_v betwixt_o the_o stone_n and_o the_o weight_n to_o be_v raise_v it_o will_v take_v up_o by_o many_o time_n more_o than_o if_o it_o be_v itself_o apply_v immediate_o thereunto_o insomuch_o that_o mersennus_n relate_v 350._o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o mistake_n he_o have_v a_o loadstone_n that_o of_o itself_o will_v take_v up_o but_o half_a a_o ounce_n of_o iron_n which_o when_o arm_v or_o cape_v will_v lift_v up_o ten_o pound_n which_o say_v he_o exceed_v the_o former_a weight_n three_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o time_n that_o a_o mariner_n needle_n be_v once_o touch_v with_o a_o vigorous_a loadstone_n will_v afterward_o when_o free_o poise_v turn_v itself_o north_n and_o south_n and_o if_o it_o be_v by_o force_n make_v to_o regard_v the_o east_n and_o west_n or_o any_o other_o point_n of_o the_o compass_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n it_o will_v of_o its_o self_n return_v to_o its_o former_a position_n that_o a_o loadstone_n float_v on_o water_n will_v as_o well_o come_v to_o and_o follow_v a_o piece_n of_o iron_n that_o be_v keep_v from_o advance_v towards_o it_o as_o when_o itself_o be_v fix_v and_o the_o iron_n at_o liberty_n it_o will_v draw_v that_o
this_o section_n be_v due_o consider_v this_o alone_a will_v very_o much_o contribute_v to_o prevent_v or_o answer_v most_o of_o the_o objection_n that_o make_v such_o of_o the_o questioner_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v not_o resolute_o vicious_a entertain_v such_o hard_a thought_n of_o some_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o if_o they_o be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n for_o as_o we_o be_v observe_v that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v pronounce_v even_o by_o a_o rational_a man_n according_a to_o a_o set_a of_o notion_n though_o the_o inference_n from_o these_o will_v be_v rational_a in_o case_n there_o be_v nothing_o else_o fit_a to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n by_o he_o that_o judge_n but_o that_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n which_o take_v in_o the_o most_o information_n procurable_a that_o be_v pertinent_a to_o the_o thing_n under_o consideration_n and_o therefore_o man_n though_o otherwise_o learn_v and_o witty_a show_v themselves_o not_o equal_a estimator_n of_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o article_n we_o speak_v of_o when_o they_o pronounce_v they_o to_o assent_v irrational_o because_o the_o thing_n they_o assent_v to_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v or_o maintain_v by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n and_o will_v probable_o be_v reject_v by_o democritus_n epicurus_n aristotle_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n to_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v naked_o propose_v and_o who_o judgement_n shall_v be_v desire_v about_o they_o for_o although_o this_o allegation_n will_v signify_v much_o if_o we_o pretend_v to_o prove_v what_o we_o believe_v only_o by_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n assent_v to_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o signify_v much_o in_o our_o case_n wherein_o we_o pretend_v to_o prove_v what_o we_o believe_v chief_o by_o divine_a testimony_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v conclude_v guilty_a of_o a_o irrational_a assent_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v either_o that_o divine_a testimony_n be_v not_o due_o challenge_v by_o we_o for_o the_o main_a of_o our_o religion_n or_o that_o in_o the_o particular_a article_n we_o father_n something_o on_o that_o testimony_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o it_o or_o right_o deducible_a from_o it_o and_o to_o put_v we_o upon_o the_o prove_v our_o particular_a article_n of_o faith_n sufficient_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o knowable_a without_o revelation_n by_o argument_n mere_o natural_a without_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o we_o can_v bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o that_o revelation_n on_o who_o account_n we_o embrace_v those_o article_n be_v to_o challenge_v a_o man_n to_o a_o duel_n upon_o condition_n he_o shall_v make_v no_o use_n of_o his_o best_a weapon_n and_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o if_o a_o schoolman_n shall_v challenge_v your_o friend_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o torrid_a zone_n be_v inhabit_v against_o the_o reason_n that_o the_o aristotelian_o be_v wont_a to_o give_v to_o prove_v it_o uninhabitable_a without_o allow_v he_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o navigator_n who_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o constant_a brise_n that_n daily_o ventilate_v the_o air_n and_o qualify_v that_o heat_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o be_v support_v and_o who_o furnish_v we_o with_o those_o other_o circumstance_n whereon_o to_o build_v our_o proof_n which_o we_o that_o be_v never_o there_o can_v have_v but_o by_o relation_n and_o indeed_o the_o limitation_n that_o christian_a religion_n put_v to_o some_o of_o the_o dictate_v of_o philosophy_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v admit_v in_o a_o more_o general_a and_o unrestrained_a sense_n and_o the_o doctrine_n about_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n etc._n etc._n that_o it_o superadd_v to_o those_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v lead_v man_n to_o about_o the_o same_o subject_n though_o to_o some_o they_o may_v seem_v injurious_a to_o philosophy_n and_o reason_n be_v as_o little_a unkind_a to_o either_o as_o be_v the_o gardener_n to_o a_o crab-stock_n or_o some_o such_o other_o wild_a plant_n when_o by_o cut_v off_o some_o of_o the_o branch_n and_o by_o make_v a_o slit_n in_o the_o bark_n that_o he_o may_v graft_v on_o it_o a_o pare-main_a or_o some_o other_o choice_a apple_n by_o this_o seem_o hard_a usage_n he_o bring_v it_o to_o bear_v much_o noble_a fruit_n than_o if_o leave_v to_o its_o own_o natural_a condition_n it_o ever_o will_v have_v do_v i_o know_v not_o whether_o to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o section_n i_o may_v not_o add_v thus_o much_o further_o that_o it_o sometime_o happen_v that_o those_o very_a thing_n which_o at_o first_o be_v propose_v to_o the_o understanding_n and_o believe_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o revelation_n be_v afterward_o assent_v to_o by_o it_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o mere_a reason_n to_o which_o purpose_n i_o consider_v that_o not_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n nay_o as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v read_v even_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o world_n dream_v that_o he_o create_v matter_n of_o nothing_o but_o only_o form_v the_o world_n out_o of_o preaexistent_a matter_n whereas_o christian_a divine_v usual_o teach_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o beside_o what_o they_o call_v a_o mediate_a creation_n as_o when_o fish_n be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o water_n or_o adam_n body_n be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v a_o immediate_a production_n of_o matter_n itself_o out_o of_o nothing_o sect_n viii_o after_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v it_o may_v be_v seasonable_a to_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o probation_n or_o what_o degree_n of_o evidence_n may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o christian_a religion_n think_v fit_a to_o be_v embrace_v perhaps_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o tell_v you_o that_o beside_o the_o demonstration_n wont_a to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o vulgar_a logic_n there_o be_v among_o philosopher_n three_o distinct_a whether_o kind_n or_o degree_n of_o demonstration_n for_o there_o be_v a_o metaphysical_a demonstration_n as_o we_o may_v call_v that_o where_o the_o conclusion_n be_v manifest_o build_v on_o those_o general_a metaphysical_a axiom_n that_o can_v never_o be_v other_o than_o true_a such_o as_o nihil_fw-la potest_fw-la simul_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o non_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la entis_fw-la nullae_fw-la sunt_fw-la proprietates_fw-la reales_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v also_o physical_a demonstration_n where_o the_o conclusion_n be_v evident_o deduce_v from_o physical_a principle_n such_o as_o be_v exit_fw-la nihilo_fw-la nihil_fw-la fit_n nulla_fw-la substantia_fw-la in_o nihilum_fw-la redigitur_fw-la etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_o certain_a as_o the_o former_a because_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o may_v at_o least_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v be_v able_a to_o create_v and_o annihilate_v substance_n and_o yet_o be_v hold_v unquestionable_a by_o the_o ancient_a naturalist_n who_o still_o suppose_v they_o in_o their_o theory_n and_o last_o there_o be_v moral_a demonstration_n such_o as_o those_o where_o the_o conclusion_n be_v build_v either_o upon_o some_o one_o such_o proof_n cogent_a in_o its_o kind_n or_o some_o concurrence_n of_o probability_n that_o it_o can_v be_v but_o allow_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o most_o receive_a rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o principle_n of_o practical_a philosophy_n and_o this_o three_o kind_n of_o probation_n though_o it_o come_v behind_o the_o two_o other_o in_o certainty_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o sure_a guide_n which_o the_o action_n of_o man_n though_o not_o their_o contemplation_n have_v regular_o allow_v they_o to_o follow_v and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o moral_a demonstration_n be_v the_o sure_a that_o man_n aspire_v to_o not_o only_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o private_a man_n affair_n but_o in_o the_o government_n of_o state_n and_o even_o of_o the_o great_a monarchy_n and_o empire_n and_o this_o be_v considerable_a in_o moral_a demonstration_n that_o such_o may_v consist_v and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o particular_n that_o be_v each_o of_o they_o but_o probable_a of_o which_o the_o law_n establish_v by_o god_n himself_o among_o his_o own_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o court_n of_o justice_n here_o in_o england_n afford_v we_o a_o manifest_a instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o murder_n and_o some_o other_o criminal_a cause_n for_o though_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o single_a witness_n shall_v not_o suffice_v to_o prove_v the_o accuse_a party_n guilty_a of_o murder_n yet_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o witness_n though_o but_o of_o equal_a credit_n that_o be_v a_o second_o testimony_n add_v to_o the_o first_o though_o of_o itself_o never_o a_o whit_n more_o credible_a than_o the_o former_a shall_v ordinary_o suffice_v to_o prove_v
a_o man_n guilty_a because_o it_o be_v think_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o though_o each_o testimony_n single_a be_v but_o probable_a yet_o a_o concurrence_n of_o such_o probability_n which_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o joint_o tend_v to_o prove_v may_v well_o amount_v to_o a_o moral_a certainty_n i._n e._n such_o a_o certainty_n as_o may_v warrant_v the_o judge_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n against_o the_o indict_v party_n to_o apply_v these_o thing_n now_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o you_o consider_v with_o how_o much_o approbation_n from_o discern_a man_n that_o judicious_a observation_n of_o aristotle_n have_v be_v entertain_v where_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v as_o unskilful_a and_o improper_a a_o thing_n to_o require_v mathematical_a demonstration_n in_o moral_a affair_n as_o to_o take_v up_o with_o moral_a argument_n in_o matter_n mathematical_a you_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o those_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o a_o moral_a though_o not_o by_o a_o metaphysical_a or_o physical_a demonstration_n may_v without_o any_o blemish_n to_o a_o man_n reason_n be_v assent_v to_o and_o that_o consequent_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o forego_n consideration_n those_o other_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o be_v clear_o and_o legitimate_o deducible_a from_o the_o so_o demonstrate_v truth_n may_v likewise_o without_o disparagement_n be_v assent_v to_o we_o may_v also_o here_o consider_v further_a that_o the_o choose_n or_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v not_o propose_v to_o we_o only_o as_o a_o system_fw-la of_o speculative_a doctrine_n but_o also_o as_o a_o body_n of_o law_n according_a to_o which_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n command_v we_o to_o worship_v he_o and_o regulate_v our_o life_n the_o embrace_v i_o say_v or_o not_o embrace_v this_o religion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o humane_a choice_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o prudence_n now_o though_o in_o matter_n that_o very_o much_o import_v we_o we_o may_v wish_v for_o and_o endeavour_v after_o such_o reason_n whereby_o to_o determine_v our_o resolve_n as_o may_v amount_v to_o moral_a demonstration_n yet_o prudence_n will_v not_o always_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v refuse_v to_o act_v upon_o argument_n of_o a_o less_o cogency_n than_o moral_a demonstration_n for_o oftentimes_o in_o humane_a affair_n it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o divers_a hazard_n or_o other_o inconvenience_n will_v attend_v whatever_o resolution_n we_o take_v and_o in_o that_o case_n all_o that_o prudence_n require_v or_o can_v enable_v we_o to_o do_v be_v to_o take_v that_o resolution_n which_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n seem_v to_o be_v preferable_a to_o any_o other_o though_o that_o which_o be_v thus_o prefer_v may_v perhaps_o be_v liable_a to_o some_o objection_n that_o can_v be_v direct_o answer_v but_o only_o oblique_o by_o the_o preponderancy_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o persuade_v the_o choice_n against_o which_o the_o objection_n be_v make_v but_o here_o perhaps_o you_o will_v tell_v i_o that_o the_o safe_a way_n in_o a_o case_n of_o such_o importance_n be_v to_o suspend_v a_o action_n that_o be_v every_o way_n attend_v with_o difficulty_n and_o to_o forbear_v either_o embrace_v or_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n till_o the_o truth_n or_o falseness_n of_o it_o come_v to_o appear_v evident_a and_o unquestionable_a to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o indeed_o in_o matter_n of_o bare_a speculation_n about_o which_o our_o understand_n only_o need_v to_o be_v conversant_a the_o suspension_n of_o assent_n be_v not_o only_o practicable_a but_o usual_o the_o safe_a way_n but_o des._n cartes_n himself_o who_o have_v be_v the_o great_a example_n and_o inculcator_n of_o this_o suspension_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v have_v it_o practise_v only_o about_o humane_a speculation_n not_o about_o humane_a action_n sed_fw-la haec_fw-la interim_n dubitatio_fw-la ad_fw-la solam_fw-la contemplationem_fw-la veritatis_fw-la restringenda_fw-la non_fw-la quantum_fw-la ad_fw-la usum_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la quia_fw-la persaepe_fw-la rerum_fw-la agendarum_fw-la occasio_fw-la praeteriret_fw-la antequam_fw-la nos_fw-la dubiis_fw-la nostris_fw-la exolvere_fw-la possemus_fw-la non_fw-la raro_fw-la quod_fw-la tantum_fw-la est_fw-la verisimile_fw-la cogimur_fw-la amplecti_fw-la vel_fw-la etiam_fw-la interdum_fw-la etsi_fw-la è_fw-la duobus_fw-la unum_fw-la altero_fw-la verisimiliùs_fw-la non_fw-la appareat_fw-la alterutrum_fw-la tamen_fw-la eligere_fw-la and_o in_o some_o of_o his_o other_o write_n he_o speak_v so_o much_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v in_o matter_n where_o embrace_v or_o reject_v a_o course_n that_o require_v practice_n be_v necessary_a such_o a_o certainty_n as_o he_o judge_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o true_a philosopher_n acquiesce_v in_o reference_n to_o proposition_n about_o speculative_a matter_n that_o i_o find_v by_o one_o of_o his_o letter_n that_o he_o be_v vehement_o accuse_v for_o have_v teach_v that_o man_n need_v not_o have_v as_o sure_a ground_n for_o choose_v virtuous_a and_o avoid_v vicious_a course_n as_o for_o determine_v about_o thing_n mere_o notional_a and_o here_o let_v i_o observe_v to_o you_o the_o difference_n that_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o case_n where_o we_o be_v put_v upon_o deliberate_v whether_o we_o will_v choose_v or_o refuse_v a_o thing_n propose_v for_o it_o may_v be_v propound_v to_o we_o either_o as_o a_o proffer_n on_o who_o acceptance_n a_o advantage_n may_v be_v hope_v or_o as_o a_o duty_n which_o beside_o the_o advantage_n it_o promise_v to_o the_o performance_n have_v a_o penalty_n annex_v to_o the_o non-performance_n or_o as_o a_o only_o expedient_a to_o avoid_v a_o great_a mischief_n or_o obtain_v a_o great_a good_a thus_o when_o in_o the_o theatrum_fw-la chymicum_fw-la some_o of_o its_o chief_a author_n as_o lul_n geber_n artephius_n who_o pretend_v to_o have_v be_v adepti_fw-la i._n e._n possessor_n of_o the_o elixir_n very_o earnest_o exhort_v their_o reader_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o so_o noble_a and_o useful_a a_o study_n as_o alchemy_n by_o the_o help_n of_o which_o the_o last_o name_v artephius_n be_v say_v to_o have_v live_v a_o 1000_o year_n they_o make_v but_o a_o proposition_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n for_o though_o a_o prosperous_a attempt_n to_o make_v the_o philosopher_n stone_n suppose_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n will_v possess_v a_o man_n of_o a_o inestimable_a treasure_n yet_o if_o he_o either_o refuse_v to_o believe_v these_o writer_n or_o if_o he_o do_v believe_v they_o refuses_z to_o take_v the_o pain_n require_v of_o he_o that_o will_v follow_v their_o counsel_n he_o can_v only_o miss_v of_o the_o wealth_n etc._n etc._n they_o will_v make_v he_o hope_v for_o but_o be_v real_o never_o a_o whit_n the_o poor_a or_o in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o if_o they_o have_v not_o endeavour_v to_o engage_v he_o but_o if_o a_o absolute_a sovereign_n command_v something_o to_o be_v do_v by_o his_o subject_n and_o to_o enforce_v his_o command_n do_v not_o only_o propose_v great_a recompense_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v perform_v what_o be_v prescribe_v but_o threaten_v heavy_a penalty_n to_o the_o disobedient_a this_o will_v belong_v to_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o case_n above_o mention_v in_o which_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a a_o man_n have_v not_o the_o same_o latitude_n allow_v he_o as_o in_o the_o first_o but_o if_o we_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n by_o a_o translation_n of_o very_a peccant_a matter_n have_v get_v a_o spread_a gangrene_n in_o his_o arm_n and_o a_o skilful_a chirurgeon_n tell_v he_o that_o if_o he_o will_v part_v with_o his_o arm_n he_o may_v be_v recover_v and_o save_v his_o life_n which_o else_o he_o will_v certain_o lose_v this_o case_n will_v belong_v to_o the_o last_o sort_n above_o mention_v the_o patient_n part_v with_o his_o arm_n be_v the_o only_a remedy_n of_o the_o gangrene_n and_o expedient_a to_o save_v his_o life_n and_o recover_v his_o health_n and_o here_o also_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v far_o strong_a motive_n than_o those_o mention_v in_o the_o first_o case_n to_o make_v a_o positive_a and_o timely_a resolution_n to_o bring_v this_o home_n to_o our_o subject_n i_o need_v but_o mind_n you_o that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n do_v not_o only_o promise_v a_o heaven_n to_o sincere_a believer_n but_o threaten_v no_o less_o than_o a_o hell_n to_o the_o refractory_a the_o voice_n of_o moses_n to_o the_o jew_n be_v this_o behold_v i_o set_v before_o you_o this_o day_n a_o blessing_n and_o a_o curse_n 28._o a_o blessing_n if_o you_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n which_o i_o command_v you_o this_o day_n and_o a_o curse_n if_o you_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n but_o turn_v aside_o out_o of_o the_o way_n
common_a practice_n it_o be_v in_o great_a storm_n at_o sea_n for_o the_o merchant_n themselves_o to_o throw_v overboard_o their_o good_n and_o perhaps_o too_o their_o victual_n as_o in_o paul_n case_n though_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o lose_v what_o they_o cast_v away_o and_o be_v not_o certain_a either_o that_o this_o loss_n will_v save_v the_o ship_n or_o that_o the_o ship_n may_v not_o be_v save_v without_o it_o the_o wise_a and_o even_o the_o worldly_a man_n whether_o prince_n or_o private_a person_n think_v themselves_o never_o more_o so_o than_o when_o they_o toil_n and_o lay_v out_o their_o care_n and_o time_n and_o usual_o deny_v themselves_o many_o thing_n to_o provide_v advantageous_o for_o child_n which_o they_o have_v but_o a_o woman_n word_n for_o and_o consequent_o a_o bare_a moral_a probability_n to_o assure_v they_o to_o be_v they_o in_o the_o small_a pox_n many_o physician_n be_v for_o bleed_v and_o other_o as_o most_o of_o our_o english_a practitioner_n be_v very_o much_o against_o it_o suppose_v then_o which_o be_v no_o very_o rare_a case_n that_o a_o person_n invade_v by_o that_o disease_n be_v tell_v by_o one_o of_o his_o physician_n that_o unless_o nature_n be_v ease_v of_o part_n of_o her_o burden_n by_o phlebotomy_n she_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v the_o disease_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o other_o assure_v he_o that_o if_o by_o exhaust_v the_o treasure_n of_o life_n the_o blood_n he_o further_o weaken_v nature_n which_o be_v but_o too_o weak_a already_o the_o disease_n must_v needs_o overcome_v she_o what_o can_v a_o prudent_a man_n do_v in_o this_o case_n where_o he_o can_v take_v no_o resolution_n against_o which_o probable_a argument_n that_o be_v not_o direct_o and_o full_o to_o be_v answer_v may_v not_o be_v oppose_v and_o where_o yet_o the_o suspension_n of_o his_o resolution_n may_v be_v as_o ruinous_a as_o the_o venture_v to_o take_v either_o of_o those_o he_o be_v invite_v to_o and_o in_o the_o former_o mention_v case_n of_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o spread_a gangrene_n in_o his_o arm_n if_o he_o consent_v that_o it_o be_v cut_v off_o which_o prudence_n often_o require_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v he_o be_v certain_a to_o lose_v one_o of_o his_o useful_a limb_n and_o be_v not_o certain_a but_o that_o he_o may_v save_v his_o life_n without_o that_o loss_n nor_o that_o he_o shall_v save_v it_o by_o that_o loss_n and_o to_o give_v you_o a_o instance_n or_o two_o of_o a_o more_o public_a nature_n how_o many_o example_n do_v history_n afford_v we_o of_o famous_a general_n and_o other_o great_a commander_n who_o have_v venture_v their_o force_n and_o their_o life_n to_o seize_v upon_o place_n promise_v to_o be_v betray_v to_o they_o by_o those_o they_o have_v corrupt_v with_o money_n though_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o run_v this_o hazard_n be_v the_o engagement_n of_o some_o who_o if_o they_o be_v not_o traitor_n that_o can_v falsify_v their_o faith_n will_v never_o have_v be_v bribe_v to_o make_v so_o criminal_a and_o ignominious_a a_o engagement_n how_o often_o have_v the_o great_a politician_n either_o resolve_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o war_n or_o take_v course_n that_o they_o foresee_v will_v end_v in_o a_o war_n upon_o the_o information_n they_o receive_v from_o those_o they_o have_v corrupt_v in_o other_o prince_n council_n though_o to_o believe_v such_o intelligencer_n those_o who_o venture_v so_o much_o upon_o their_o information_n must_v suppose_v they_o faithless_a and_o perfidious_a man_n it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o add_v other_o instance_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n by_o which_o join_v with_o what_o have_v be_v above_o discourse_v it_o may_v appear_v that_o a_o man_n need_v not_o renounce_v or_o lay_v aside_o his_o reason_n to_o resolve_v to_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v none_o of_o they_o demonstrative_a one_o for_o so_o much_o as_o a_o probability_n of_o attain_v by_o it_o such_o inestimable_a blessing_n as_o it_o propose_v and_o little_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a probability_n of_o incur_v by_o reject_v it_o such_o unspeakable_a misery_n as_o it_o threaten_v may_v rational_o induce_v a_o man_n to_o resolve_v upon_o fulfil_v its_o reasonable_a condition_n and_o his_o prudence_n may_v very_o well_o be_v justify_v if_o it_o do_v but_o appear_v that_o 1_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o some_o religion_n shall_v be_v true_a than_o that_o so_o many_o well_o attest_v miracle_n allege_v by_o the_o ancient_a christian_n shall_v be_v false_a and_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o man_n for_o so_o much_o i_o think_v may_v be_v physical_o prove_v shall_v leave_v man_n who_o he_o have_v so_o fit_v and_o by_o benefit_n and_o internal_a law_n oblige_v to_o worship_v he_o without_o any_o express_a direction_n how_o to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o 2_o if_o there_o be_v any_o true_a religion_n the_o christian_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o be_v that_o in_o regard_n not_o only_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o doctrine_n and_o promise_n but_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n that_o bare_a witness_n to_o it_o the_o record_n of_o which_o be_v make_v by_o honest_a plain_a man_n who_o teach_v and_o practise_v the_o strict_a virtue_n and_o who_o know_v their_o religion_n condemn_v lie_v free_o join_v their_o doctrine_n and_o narrative_n with_o their_o blood_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v so_o manifest_a in_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v that_o the_o evidence_n seem_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o convert_v whole_a nation_n and_o among_o they_o many_o considerable_a and_o prudent_a person_n who_o have_v great_a opportunity_n as_o well_o as_o concern_v to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o who_o be_v by_o their_o interest_n and_o education_n so_o indispose_v to_o embrace_v christianity_n that_o to_o make_v a_o sincere_a profession_n of_o it_o they_o must_v necessary_o relinquish_v both_o their_o former_a religion_n and_o their_o former_a vice_n and_o venturous_o expose_v for_o it_o not_o only_o their_o fortune_n but_o their_o life_n if_o it_o be_v here_o object_v that_o it_o be_v very_o harsh_a if_o not_o unreasonable_a to_o exact_v upon_o so_o great_a penalty_n as_o damnation_n so_o firm_a a_o assent_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o faith_n to_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v either_o obscure_o deliver_v or_o have_v not_o their_o truth_n demonstrative_o make_v out_o i_o answer_v that_o whatever_o other_o may_v think_v i_o do_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o degree_n of_o faith_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o evidence_n that_o man_n may_v have_v of_o it_o if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o through_o laziness_n prejudices_fw-la vice_n passion_n interest_n or_o some_o other_o culpable_a defect_n for_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v just_a and_o gracious_a and_o have_v be_v please_v to_o promulgate_v the_o gospel_n that_o man_n who_o it_o suppose_v to_o act_v as_o such_o that_o be_v as_o rational_a creature_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o salvation_n by_o it_o i_o see_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o think_v that_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v any_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o they_o may_v not_o so_o far_o clear_o understand_v as_o they_o be_v command_v distinct_o and_o explicit_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o deliver_v i_o shall_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n unwilling_o admit_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o you_o may_v here_o remember_v that_o i_o former_o tell_v you_o i_o be_v far_o from_o think_v all_o the_o tenant_n either_o of_o the_o school_n or_o of_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o christian_a verity_n and_o therefore_o be_o very_o unlike_a to_o allow_v they_o here_o to_o be_v fundamental_a and_o necessary_a one_o and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v almost_o as_o great_a as_o common_a a_o mistake_n that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o concern_v fundamental_a article_n must_v be_v fundamental_a too_o as_o if_o because_o the_o head_n be_v a_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o body_n and_o essential_a to_o life_n therefore_o all_o the_o hair_n that_o grow_v upon_o it_o must_v be_v think_v such_o too_o but_o then_o as_o to_o the_o absolute_a firmness_n of_o assent_n that_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v exact_v by_o christianity_n to_o the_o article_n it_o deliver_v i_o be_o not_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a in_o all_o case_n to_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n as_o very_o many_o take_v it_o to_o be_v for_o first_o the_o scripture_n itself_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o of_o the_o truth_n it_o reveal_v be_v unfathomable_a mystery_n and_o some_o other_o point_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hard_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v
that_o the_o high_a firmness_n of_o assent_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o such_o article_n or_o to_o those_o part_n of_o they_o as_o their_o obscurity_n keep_v we_o from_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o we_o clear_o understand_v they_o as_o we_o have_v to_o suppose_v we_o understand_v those_o that_o be_v far_o more_o plain_o reveal_v and_o second_o to_o speak_v more_o general_o it_o be_v harsh_a to_o say_v that_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o all_o person_n since_o man_n natural_a capacity_n and_o disposition_n and_o their_o education_n and_o the_o opportunity_n they_o have_v have_v of_o be_v inform_v do_v very_o much_o yet_o perhaps_o not_o culpable_o dispose_v some_o more_o than_o other_o to_o be_v diffident_a and_o apt_a to_o haesitate_n and_o frame_v doubt_n and_o the_o same_o argument_n may_v appear_v evident_a enough_o to_o one_o man_n to_o make_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o believe_v firm_o what_o they_o persuade_v which_o in_o another_o natural_o more_o sceptical_a or_o better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n urge_v by_o the_o opposite_a party_n may_v leave_v some_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n excusable_a enough_o and_o when_o either_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o be_v not_o clear_o deliver_v or_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o that_o a_o man_n can_v yet_o meet_v with_o be_v not_o full_o cogent_a for_o that_o man_n not_o to_o give_v such_o truth_n the_o same_o degree_n of_o assent_n that_o demonstration_n may_v produce_v be_v not_o as_o many_o interpret_v it_o a_o affront_n to_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n since_o he_o may_v be_v hearty_o dispose_v and_o ready_a to_o believe_v all_o that_o shall_v appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n and_o only_a doubt_n whether_o the_o thing_n propose_v be_v indeed_o reveal_v by_o he_o or_o whether_o the_o diffident_a party_n right_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n wherein_o the_o revelation_n be_v contain_v which_o be_v not_o to_o distrust_v god_n but_o himself_o and_o that_o in_o some_o case_n a_o degree_n of_o faith_n not_o exempt_a from_o doubt_n may_v through_o god_n goodness_n be_v accept_v we_o may_v learn_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o be_v so_o much_o in_o christ_n favour_n make_v it_o their_o prayer_n to_o he_o that_o he_o will_v increase_v their_o faith_n and_o he_o that_o beg_v that_o if_o he_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o son_n and_o cry_v out_o lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n be_v so_o far_o accept_v by_o that_o merciful_a high_a priest_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v touch_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n that_o his_o request_n be_v grant_v though_o it_o can_v not_o be_v so_o but_o by_o have_v a_o miracle_n do_v in_o his_o favour_n the_o disciple_n distress_v by_o a_o storm_n and_o cry_v to_o their_o master_n as_o think_v themselves_o upon_o the_o very_a point_n of_o perish_v be_v save_v by_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o he_o give_v they_o the_o epithet_n of_o man_n of_o little_a faith_n and_o at_o another_o time_n peter_n walk_v upon_o the_o sea_n though_o he_o have_v lose_v a_o degree_n of_o that_o faith_n that_o make_v he_o first_o engage_v upon_o that_o adventure_n and_o be_v reprove_v for_o it_o by_o christ_n be_v yet_o rescue_v from_o that_o sink_a condition_n which_o both_o he_o and_o his_o faith_n be_v in_o and_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o a_o faith_n which_o though_o no_o big_a than_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n may_v enable_v a_o man_n to_o remove_v mountain_n and_o though_o this_o passage_n speak_v not_o primary_o of_o justify_v faith_n yet_o still_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o show_v that_o degree_n of_o assent_n far_o short_a of_o the_o great_a may_v be_v so_o far_o accept_v by_o god_n as_o to_o be_v own_v by_o miraculous_a exertion_n of_o his_o power_n for_o the_o faith_n then_o that_o be_v make_v a_o necessary_a condition_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o genuine_a fruit_n and_o scope_n of_o it_o be_v obedience_n so_o it_o be_v not_o indispensable_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o exclude_v doubt_n but_o refusal_n and_o though_o the_o assent_n be_v not_o so_o strong_a as_o may_v be_v produce_v by_o a_o demonstration_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v gracious_o accept_v if_o it_o be_v but_o strong_a enough_o to_o produce_v obedience_n and_o according_o whereas_o paul_n in_o one_o place_n declare_v that_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n operative_a through_o love_n we_o may_v learn_v his_o meaning_n from_o a_o parallel_a place_n where_o vary_v the_o word_n and_o not_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o sentence_n he_o say_v that_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o attainment_n of_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o faith_n be_v always_o a_o blessing_n and_o can_v be_v sufficient_o prize_v without_o be_v sincere_o aim_v at_o but_o there_o be_v in_o some_o virtue_n and_o grace_n degree_n which_o though_o to_o reach_n be_v a_o great_a happiness_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o the_o endeavour_v after_o they_o that_o be_v a_o indispensible_a duty_n likewise_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o firmness_n of_o assent_n to_o divine_a verity_n do_v in_o some_o regard_n bring_v much_o honour_n to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o promise_n make_v he_o of_o isaac_n do_v not_o consider_v his_o own_o age_n nor_o sarahs_n long_a barrenness_n so_o as_o to_o entertain_v any_o diffidence_n of_o what_o god_n have_v tell_v he_o that_o be_v mighty_a in_o faith_n he_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n but_o it_o be_v true_a too_o that_o in_o another_o respect_n a_o practical_a assent_n build_v upon_o a_o less_o undoubted_a evidence_n may_v have_v its_o pre-eminence_n for_o when_o christ_n now_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a have_v say_v to_o the_o distrustful_a didimus_n thomas_n because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o thou_o have_v believe_v he_o immediate_o add_v but_o bless_a that_o be_v peculiarly_a and_o preferable_o bless_v be_v those_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v and_o indeed_o he_o do_v not_o a_o little_a honour_n god_n in_o that_o sense_n wherein_o mortal_n may_v be_v say_v to_o honour_v he_o who_o be_v so_o willing_a to_o obey_v and_o serve_v he_o and_o so_o ambitious_a to_o be_v in_o a_o estate_n where_o he_o may_v always_o do_v so_o that_o upon_o what_o he_o yet_o discern_v to_o be_v but_o a_o probability_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n he_o embrace_v it_o with_o all_o its_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n and_o upon_o this_o score_n venturous_o resolve_v to_o submit_v if_o need_v be_v to_o a_o present_a and_o actual_a dereliction_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n and_o lust_n and_o perhaps_o his_o interest_n and_o his_o life_n too_o upon_o a_o comparative_o uncertain_a expectation_n of_o live_v with_o he_o hereafter_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o part._n and_o here_o i_o will_v put_v a_o period_n '_o to_o my_o answer_n to_o your_o friend_n question_v in_o one_o of_o the_o two_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o so_o to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n against_o all_o which_o perhaps_o your_o friend_n will_v object_v that_o at_o this_o rate_n of_o argue_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n one_o may_v apologise_v for_o any_o opinion_n and_o reconcile_v the_o most_o unreasonable_a one_o to_o right_a reason_n but_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a for_o i_o to_o reply_v that_o this_o objection_n be_v ground_v either_o upon_o a_o mistake_n of_o the_o design_n of_o this_o letter_n or_o upon_o the_o overlooking_a of_o what_o be_v suppose_v in_o it_o for_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o consideration_n hitherto_o allege_v shall_v pass_v for_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n it_o reach_v and_o that_o of_o the_o reward_v it_o promise_n both_o which_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n and_o by_o divers_a other_o argument_n especial_o the_o divine_a miracle_n that_o attest_v it_o but_o that_o which_o i_o be_v here_o to_o do_v be_v not_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o ground_n why_o i_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o to_o return_v a_o answer_n back_v with_o reason_n to_o the_o question_n that_o be_v propose_v whether_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o a_o christian_n to_o continue_v such_o must_v deny_v or_o lay_v aside_o his_o reason_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o answer_n be_v this_o that_o the_o doctrine_n real_o propose_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v by_o proper_a argument_n sufficient_o
serious_o examine_v why_o he_o do_v it_o may_v happen_v to_o make_v a_o good_a choice_n but_o can_v be_v but_o a_o bad_a chooser_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o exclude_v by_o too_o early_a a_o method_n those_o thing_n that_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v may_v hereafter_o be_v pertinent_a and_o useful_a i_o throw_v my_o reflection_n into_o one_o book_n as_o into_o a_o repository_n to_o be_v keep_v there_o only_o as_o a_o heap_n of_o differ_v material_n that_o if_o they_o appear_v worth_a it_o they_o may_v be_v afterward_o review_v and_o sort_v and_o draw_v into_o a_o orderly_a discourse_n but_o before_o i_o begin_v to_o do_v what_o i_o intend_v a_o succession_n of_o accident_n wherewith_o it_o will_v not_o be_v proper_a to_o trouble_v the_o reader_n quite_o divert_v i_o to_o employment_n of_o a_o very_a distant_a nature_n so_o that_o these_o paper_n be_v throw_v by_o do_v for_o divers_a year_n lie_v neglect_v with_o many_o other_o till_o at_o length_n the_o person_n for_o who_o perusal_n i_o in_o the_o first_o place_n design_v they_o join_v with_o some_o other_o intelligent_a friend_n to_o urge_v i_o to_o send_v they_o abroad_o though_o i_o be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o give_v they_o the_o finish_v stroke_n or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o fill_v up_o several_a of_o the_o blank_n my_o haste_n have_v make_v i_o leave_v to_o be_v supply_v when_o i_o shall_v be_v at_o leisure_n and_o indeed_o notwithstanding_o the_o just_a averseness_n i_o have_v from_o let_v a_o piece_n so_o incomplete_a and_o uncorrected_a appear_v in_o this_o critical_a age_n yet_o the_o hope_n they_o confident_o give_v i_o that_o this_o piece_n such_o as_o it_o be_v may_v not_o be_v unacceptable_a nor_o useless_a be_v not_o i_o confess_v altogether_o groundless_a novelty_n be_v a_o thing_n very_o acceptable_a in_o this_o age_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o person_n i_o be_o to_o deal_v with_o to_o who_o perhaps_o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o endearment_n of_o their_o error_n i_o despair_v not_o that_o it_o will_v somewhat_o recommend_v these_o paper_n to_o which_o i_o design_v to_o commit_v not_o transcript_n of_o what_o i_o think_v they_o may_v have_v already_o meet_v with_o in_o author_n but_o such_o consideration_n as_o a_o serious_a attention_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n i_o treat_v of_o suggest_v to_o i_o so_o that_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n will_v perhaps_o be_v think_v new_a and_o some_o few_o thing_n coincident_a with_o what_o they_o may_v have_v elsewhere_o meet_v with_o may_v possible_o appear_v rather_o to_o have_v be_v suggest_v by_o consider_v the_o same_o subject_n to_o other_o author_n and_o to_o i_o than_o to_o have_v be_v borrow_v by_o i_o of_o they_o but_o some_o few_o thing_n i_o confess_v i_o employ_v that_o be_v common_o enough_o employ_v before_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v in_o that_o have_v do_v religion_n no_o disservice_n for_o have_v take_v notice_n that_o some_o of_o the_o more_o familiar_a argument_n have_v a_o real_a force_n in_o they_o but_o have_v be_v so_o unwary_o propose_v as_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o exception_n that_o have_v discredit_v they_o i_o make_v it_o my_o care_n by_o propose_v they_o more_o cautious_o to_o prevent_v such_o objection_n which_o alone_o keep_v their_o force_n from_o be_v apparent_a i_o be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n this_o tract_n be_v likely_a to_o undergo_v partly_o for_o want_v of_o a_o more_o curious_a method_n and_o partly_o because_o my_o other_o occasion_n require_v that_o if_o i_o publish_v it_o at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o come_v abroad_o unpolished_a and_o unfinished_a but_o though_o this_o inconvenience_n have_v like_a to_o have_v suppress_v this_o discourse_n yet_o the_o force_n of_o it_o be_v much_o weaken_a by_o this_o consideration_n that_o this_o immethodical_a way_n of_o write_v will_v best_o comply_v with_o what_o be_v design_v and_o pretend_v in_o this_o paper_n which_o be_v not_o to_o write_v a_o complete_a treatise_n of_o the_o subject_a of_o it_o but_o only_o to_o suggest_v about_o it_o some_o of_o those_o many_o consideration_n that_o questionless_a may_v have_v occur_v to_o what_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o a_o enlighten_v and_o penetrate_a intellect_n and_o the_o loadstone_n divers_a of_o who_o phenomena_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o body_n of_o this_o little_a tract_n suggest_v somewhat_o to_o i_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o publication_n of_o it_o by_o exciting_a in_o i_o a_o hope_n that_o if_o this_o discourse_n have_v any_o thing_n near_o as_o much_o truth_n as_o i_o endeavour_v to_o furnish_v it_o with_o that_o truth_n will_v have_v its_o operation_n upon_o sincere_a lover_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o want_n of_o regularity_n in_o the_o method_n as_o a_o good_a loadstone_n will_v not_o by_o be_v rough_a and_o rude_o shape_v be_v hinder_v from_o exercise_v its_o attractive_a and_o directive_n power_n upon_o steel_n and_o iron_n as_o for_o the_o style_n i_o be_v rather_o shy_a than_o ambitious_a of_o bring_v in_o the_o thorn_n of_o the_o schoolman_n or_o the_o flower_n of_o rhetoric_n for_o the_o latter_a though_o they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n spring_v up_o under_o my_o pen_n i_o shall_v have_v though_o improper_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o so_o serious_a and_o philosophical_a a_o subject_n and_o as_o to_o the_o former_a i_o decline_v they_o in_o complaisance_n to_o the_o humour_n of_o my_o infidel_n who_o be_v general_o so_o prejudice_v against_o the_o schoolman_n that_o scarce_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v present_v they_o with_o more_o disadvantage_n than_o in_o a_o scholastic_a dress_n and_o a_o demonstration_n will_v scarce_o pass_v for_o a_o good_a argument_n with_o some_o of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v form_v into_o a_o syllogism_n in_o mode_n and_o figure_n that_o therefore_o which_o i_o chief_o aim_v at_o in_o my_o expression_n be_v significancy_n and_o clearness_n that_o my_o reader_n may_v see_v that_o i_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v he_o judge_v of_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o argument_n and_o will_v not_o put_v he_o to_o the_o trouble_n of_o divine_v in_o what_o it_o lay_v nor_o inveigle_v he_o by_o ornament_n of_o speech_n to_o think_v it_o great_a than_o it_o be_v i_o be_v also_o lead_v by_o my_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o by_o my_o inclination_n to_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o rail_v at_o my_o infidel_n and_o though_o i_o have_v some_o cause_n to_o think_v that_o many_o of_o they_o have_v their_o understanding_n debauch_v by_o their_o life_n and_o be_v seduce_v from_o the_o church_n not_o by_o diagoras_n or_o pyrrho_n but_o by_o bacchus_n and_o venus_n yet_o i_o treat_v they_o as_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v what_o they_o will_v be_v think_v friend_n to_o philosophy_n and_o be_v but_o a_o layman_n i_o do_v not_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o talk_v to_o they_o as_o out_o of_o a_o pulpit_n and_o threaten_v they_o with_o damnation_n unless_o they_o believe_v i_o but_o choose_v to_o discourse_v to_o they_o rather_o as_o to_o err_a virtuoso_n than_o wicked_a wretch_n this_o moderation_n that_o i_o have_v use_v towards_o they_o will_n i_o hope_v induce_v they_o to_o grant_v i_o two_o or_o three_o reasonable_a request_n whereof_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v that_o they_o will_v not_o make_v a_o final_a judgement_n of_o these_o paper_n till_o they_o have_v peruse_v they_o quite_o through_o especial_o have_v in_o their_o eye_n what_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o preamble_n where_o both_o the_o design_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n and_o what_o it_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v express_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o request_v of_o they_o and_o my_o reader_n be_v that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v the_o mean_a thought_n of_o my_o argument_n for_o not_o be_v propose_v with_o the_o confidence_n wherewith_o many_o writer_n be_v wont_a to_o recommend_v weak_a proof_n for_o i_o write_v to_o intelligent_a man_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o i_o never_o observe_v that_o a_o demonstration_n cease_v to_o be_v think_v one_o for_o be_v modest_o propose_v but_o i_o have_v often_o know_v a_o good_a argument_n lose_v of_o its_o credit_n by_o the_o invidious_a title_n of_o a_o demonstration_n and_o i_o must_v further_o beg_v my_o reader_n to_o estimate_v my_o design_n in_o these_o paper_n by_o the_o title_n of_o they_o in_o which_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o make_v religion_n trample_v upon_o reason_n but_o only_o to_o show_v the_o reconcileableness_n of_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o the_o friendly_a agreement_n between_o they_o i_o be_o a_o person_n who_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o my_o honour_n and_o happiness_n to_o be_v both_o a_o man_n and_o a_o christian_a will_v neither_o write_v nor_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v misbecome_v i_o in_o either_o of_o those_o two_o